Introduction to the Allegations
Jeremy Renner, a star in the “Avengers” universe and the HBO series “Mayor of Kingstown,” is facing allegations of misconduct from filmmaker Yi Zhou. In an extensive series of posts on Instagram last week, Zhou alleges that beginning in June, Renner sent “a string of unwanted / unsolicited pornographic images.” After a relationship over calls and text, according to Zhou, “The first physical encounter was not consensual. … Later interactions became consensual, yet the earlier incident remained deeply distressing.” Another post claims that Renner “threatened to call immigration/ICE on me,” which left her “shocked and frightened.”
Response from Renner’s Representative
A representative for Renner responded to a request for comment Sunday by saying, “The accusations being made by this individual are totally inaccurate and untrue.” Many of Zhou’s Instagram posts, which include images of supposed messages between the two of them and what appear to be candid, personal photos of the actor, added the hashtag “#CancelJeremyRenner.” Zhou, born in China and based in Los Angeles, has directed two films, the documentary “Masters of Cinema: Chronicles of Disney” and the animated “Stardust Future,” which she says Renner participated in and then refused to promote.
Details of the Allegations and Legal Action
People reported that Renner’s attorney, Marty Singer, sent Zhou a cease-and-desist letter to prevent further “salacious lies” on Friday. A message to Singer’s office Sunday was not immediately returned. In one of her posts, Zhou wrote of her motivation for speaking out. “My intention is not retaliation but transparency,” she said. “I have the right to protect my professional reputation, to set boundaries, and to correct misinformation when selective reporting distorts the facts.” She posted a cease-and-desist letter she purportedly emailed to Renner on Instagram asking him to stop “any form of verbal abuse, yelling or intimidation.”
Previous Allegations Against Renner
In a 2025 interview with the Guardian promoting his memoir “My Last Breath,” which chronicles the 2023 accident involving an industrial snowcat that nearly killed him, Renner denied previous allegations of misconduct — substance abuse and a verbal threat — that came out in a custody dispute with his ex-wife Sonni Pacheco over their daughter, Ava. “Being accused of things you’ve not done, right? That doesn’t feel good to anybody,” Renner said. “It certainly doesn’t feel good when you’re a celebrity and it’s known to everybody.”
Conclusion
The allegations against Jeremy Renner by filmmaker Yi Zhou are serious and have sparked a significant response from both parties. While Renner denies the allegations, Zhou claims her intention is transparency and protecting her professional reputation. The situation highlights the complexities of allegations of misconduct and the importance of thorough investigations.
FAQs
- Q: Who is making allegations against Jeremy Renner?
A: Filmmaker Yi Zhou is making allegations of misconduct against Jeremy Renner. - Q: What are the allegations against Jeremy Renner?
A: The allegations include sending unsolicited pornographic images, a non-consensual physical encounter, and threatening to call immigration/ICE. - Q: How has Jeremy Renner responded to the allegations?
A: Through his representative, Renner has denied the allegations, stating they are “totally inaccurate and untrue.” - Q: Has there been any legal action taken?
A: Yes, Renner’s attorney sent Zhou a cease-and-desist letter to prevent further allegations. - Q: Are there any previous allegations against Jeremy Renner?
A: Yes, there were previous allegations of misconduct that came out in a custody dispute, which Renner denied.

