Filmmaker Accuses Jeremy Renner of Sending Unwanted Intimate Images
Filmmaker Yi Zhou has accused actor Jeremy Renner of sending unsolicited intimate images and videos. The claims also include threats made by Renner after Zhou confronted him about alleged misconduct.
Allegations Made by Yi Zhou
The 38-year-old director, known for her documentary “Chronicles of Disney,” detailed her experience in social media posts and a comprehensive interview with the Daily Mail. Zhou, who has a professional background in filmmaking, asserts that her relationship with 54-year-old Renner left her feeling unsafe.
Zhou reported that her direct communication with Renner began in June, stating, “He sent personal and intimate photographs of himself, behavior that, according to public reports, he has exhibited before.” She claimed that their relationship intensified through calls and text messages where Renner expressed a desire for a romantic connection.
Professional Collaboration
- Zhou and Renner collaborated on two projects, including “Chronicles of Disney.”
- Renner appears in approximately 80% of the documentary.
Despite the release of the film last month, Zhou criticized Renner for refusing to assist in promoting it. She stressed that he allegedly breached written agreements with her production company, Into the Sun Films, by not supporting the project publicly.
Confrontation and Threats
When Zhou confronted Renner about his past behavior, she claims he responded with threats. “He threatened to call immigration/ICE on me,” she wrote, expressing her fear and shock at his reaction. Zhou highlighted this encounter as indicative of the power imbalances that negatively impact women in the industry.
Renner’s Response
A representative for Renner has labeled Zhou’s accusations as “totally inaccurate and untrue.” Despite the public allegations, the actor has not publicly addressed the situation as of now.
Background Information
Yi Zhou stated that she did not initially pursue Renner, claiming she was unaware of his work. “I didn’t even know his name, never watched a movie of his,” she noted. Zhou also shared a screenshot of a graphic image purportedly sent by Renner in June via WhatsApp.
In August, she described an uncomfortable interaction where Renner reportedly yelled at her during a professional meeting. Zhou felt so threatened that she locked herself in a room to avoid further confrontation.
Previous Incidents
This isn’t Renner’s first encounter with allegations of misconduct. He nearly lost his life in a snowplow accident on New Year’s Day 2023. In a Diane Sawyer interview, he mentioned his determination to recover and move forward. Additionally, Renner’s past includes a tumultuous marriage to Canadian actress Sonni Pacheco, during which she accused him of substance abuse and threats during a custody battle.
