Jeremy Renner has publicly denied accusations made by filmmaker Yi Zhou, who alleges that the actor sent her unsolicited nude photographs and threatened to report her to ICE. The disputes between Renner and Zhou surfaced amid claims of a complicated personal and professional relationship in 2025. Renner’s legal counsel firmly rejected these allegations, emphasizing the actor’s innocence through a formal statement.
Details of the Allegations and Renner’s Response
Zhou, a director who worked with Renner on a documentary project, accused him of sending explicit images without consent and issuing threats related to immigration enforcement. In response, Renner’s attorney Martin Singer described the accusations as “false, outrageous, and highly defamatory,” stating that Zhou had persistently harassed Renner over several months despite minimal engagement from him.
The true facts are that Ms. Zhou has relentlessly and aggressively harassed and pursued my client for months with no reciprocation on my client’s part, other than a single brief encounter on July 12, 2025,
Singer said.
The lawyer clarified that Renner and Zhou shared a short consensual meeting in Reno during July 2025, followed by another meeting a month later, despite Zhou sending sexually explicit messages to Renner without reciprocation.
Filmmaker Yi Zhou’s Detailed Account and Cease-and-Desist Letter
Yi Zhou responded via an Instagram post, outlining her history with Renner and their project, Masters of Cinema: Chronicles of Disney, a documentary regarding the Walt Disney Company released in October 2025. She described this as a pro bono collaboration aimed at benefiting charitable organizations, including Renner’s own foundation.
Zhou also recounted the emergence of a personal relationship with Renner starting in mid-2025, which she characterized as a long-distance connection she referred to as love out of respect for both parties. However, she alleged that Renner sent intimate photos and messages that were unsolicited and labeled their first physical interaction as non-consensual, although subsequent meetings were consensual according to her statement.
Additionally, Zhou claimed that ongoing unwanted explicit content and escalating harassment from fan accounts compelled her to issue a cease-and-desist letter. The document, dated November 5, demanded that Renner halt “threatening, intimidating, and disrespectful conduct.”
Yi Zhou’s Reasons for Speaking Out Amid Dispute
Zi Zhou emphasized that her goal in sharing these allegations was to ensure transparency rather than seek retaliation. She asserted her right to protect her professional reputation and address misinformation presented by selective reporting that distorts facts.
I have the right to protect my professional reputation, to set boundaries, and to correct misinformation when selective reporting distorts the facts.
— Yi Zhou, filmmaker
Claims of Professional Complications and Personal Threats
Earlier this week, Zhou alleged that Renner initiated contact through direct messages in June, sending unsolicited explicit images via platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. She also accused the actor of failing to promote their documentary, leading viewers to speculate that his likeness was artificially generated using AI technology to falsely indicate involvement.
Zhou further stated she confronted Renner privately regarding his behavior, requesting that he treat her with respect both as a woman and as a filmmaker. She claimed that in response, Renner threatened to involve immigration authorities, an action she said caused her significant distress.
Such behavior is unacceptable and emblematic of the imbalance of power that continues to harm women in our industry.
— Yi Zhou, filmmaker
Allegations of Broader Pattern and Lack of Response from Renner’s Team
Following her initial accusations, Zhou accused Renner of domestic aggressions and shared images she said depicted his daily activities. She also suggested that Renner orchestrated a smear campaign against her documentary and presented screenshots of alleged conversations with him. Zhou claimed the actor has exhibited similar conduct towards other women, indicating a pattern of behavior.
Requests for comment from Renner’s representatives regarding both the original accusations and Zhou’s subsequent statements were not returned by Entertainment Weekly at the time of reporting.
Implications and Next Steps in the Public Dispute
This contentious exchange highlights ongoing disputes within the entertainment industry concerning allegations of misconduct and power imbalances. As Jeremy Renner denies these serious claims and filmmaker Yi Zhou stands by her account, the situation remains unresolved publicly. The evolving discourse may influence professional reputations and spark further examination of personal conduct standards among high-profile figures. Observers will likely watch closely how both parties proceed legally or publicly in the near future.
