Hollywood actor Jeremy Renner has denied serious misconduct allegations made by Chinese filmmaker Yi Zhou, who claimed the actor sent her intimate photos and acted violently during a meeting earlier this year.
The Hawkeye star, 54, has called the accusations “totally inaccurate and untrue,” according to a statement shared with Variety by his representatives.
Yi Zhou’s Allegations
Yi Zhou, 37, took to Instagram on Monday to post a series of statements accusing Renner of harassment. The filmmaker — who previously collaborated with the actor on a documentary and an animated film — alleged that Renner sent her “a string of unsolicited pornographic images” via direct messages and WhatsApp in June.
She claimed that their professional communication soon became personal, and that Renner “seduced” her into believing he cared for her. Zhou said the situation escalated in August during a meeting at the actor’s home, where they were discussing production logistics for their documentary project.
“He drank a bottle of wine alone and got angry, yelling for two hours,” Zhou told Daily Mail, adding that she locked herself in a room “in fear for [her] safety.”
Screenshots and text exchanges shared with Daily Mail allegedly show Zhou messaging her colleagues during the incident, describing Renner as “violent.”
Renner’s Response
Renner’s representatives strongly refuted the claims, saying,
“The allegations being made are totally inaccurate and untrue.”
No additional statements have been released from Renner’s legal team or management, but the actor’s camp has maintained that the claims are false and that he is cooperating fully through proper channels.
Zhou’s Continued Statements
In her Instagram posts, Zhou used hashtags like #CancelJeremyRenner and #Cancel, writing that her experience “shows the dark side of Hollywood and the smear campaign to deter women and Asian female filmmakers.”
“I was destroyed by a setup of smear fan campaigns,” she wrote, but added that she has received “support from friends and others in the industry.”
Zhou also alleged that Renner later threatened to “call immigration” on her when she confronted him about his alleged behavior — a claim that remains unverified.
Shared Projects
Before the controversy, Renner and Zhou were working together on two film projects — a documentary titled Chronicles of Disney and an animated movie Stardust Future: Stars and Scars.
The documentary, not officially affiliated with Disney, reportedly features interviews with Renner, Oscar-winning costume designer Mark Bridges, and makeup artist Bill Corso. Meanwhile, Stardust Future — billed as the first feature-length film created using AI — had been planning an awards-qualifying theatrical run in November, with proceeds benefiting Renner’s charitable foundation, The Rennervation Foundation.
Past Context
Renner has previously faced personal scrutiny, including allegations made years ago by his ex-wife, which he also denied. Earlier this year, the actor had been focusing on his recovery from a near-fatal snowplow accident and promoting his Disney+ series Rennervations.
Zhou, on the other hand, continues to direct and produce independent films, describing herself as an advocate for women and diversity in the entertainment industry.
Final Words
As of now, both Renner and Zhou have stood by their respective statements. While Zhou claims she faced harassment and threats during their collaboration, Renner’s representatives have categorically denied all accusations.
The situation remains under review, and neither party has made further public remarks since their initial responses.
