Hollywood actor Jeremy Renner, 54, is the subject of new allegations from filmmaker Yi Zhou, 37, who asserts that the two were involved in a professional and romantic relationship that later became strained. Zhou alleges Renner sent “unsolicited pornographic images” of himself, and at one point mentioned the possibility of involving U.S. immigration authorities after she addressed his behavior.
Zhou says the pair collaborated in early 2025 on a documentary titled Chronicles of Disney and an animated film Stardust Future: Stars and Scars, both of which included Renner’s participation. She claims he initially reached out via direct message in June 2025 and later sent explicit images and video clips via WhatsApp. “Mr. Renner first contacted me directly in June, sending personal and intimate photographs of himself,” she posted on Instagram.
According to Zhou, what began as a promising and affectionate relationship eventually led to feelings of fear. She reports that during a meeting at Renner’s home near Reno, Nevada, the actor drank a bottle of wine alone and then raised his voice for two hours. “I had to lock myself in a room to be safe, praying he would not come into the room at night … I was so scared for my life,” she told the Daily Mail.
The most serious claim from Zhou is that when she privately addressed Renner’s past conduct and asked him to “behave properly, to respect me as a woman and as a filmmaker,” she states he “threatened to call immigration/ICE on me, an act that deeply shocked and frightened me.”
Zhou also alleges that their professional collaboration was negatively impacted: she says Renner repeatedly declined to publicly promote the projects and denied both their working and personal relationship. “I did not reach out to him; he pursued me,” Zhou says. “He used me and denied me and denied our work.”
Renner has not issued a public response to these allegations. His representatives declined to comment when contacted by multiple outlets.
In the broader context, Renner’s personal history includes previous accusations. During his 2019 custody battle with former wife Sonni Pacheco, she alleged substance abuse, threats, and firearm misuse. Renner denied these claims in an interview with The Guardian.
The resurfacing of these claims raises ongoing questions about power dynamics, trust, and safety in Hollywood’s professional and personal settings. When a filmmaker alleges that a collaborator threatened, “immigration will be notified of your–,” the implications are concerning.
Zhou presents her experience as part of a broader concern affecting women, including Asian creatives, in the entertainment industry. She described her post as “a story of survival against domestic aggression, porn abuse, abuse of the workplace, and abuse as a woman.”
As a result, the industry may face reputational concerns. Projects associated with Renner — including upcoming releases such as Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and the new season of Mayor of Kingstown — may now be evaluated not only for their creative merits but also for their ethical considerations.
This case raises crucial questions. How do collaborators protect themselves when power differentials are vast? What mechanisms exist when threats of deportation or professional erasure are alleged? How should studios and agencies respond when there are serious allegations of emotional, professional, or physical danger?
Zhou says she delayed speaking out because the fear and shame were overwhelming. “It took me a long time before I had the courage to write this and speak up,” she wrote.
For readers, this story highlights that high-profile industries, such as Hollywood, can have less visible issues related to intimidation, inequality, and silence. Accountability may begin with one voice, but broader change could require adjustments such as more transparency in contracts, clear safety protocols, and an evolving workplace culture in the creative sector.
As this story evolves, the industry will be watching. Will Renner respond? Will further allegations surface? Will filmmakers, studios, and agencies take proactive steps to ensure no one in their orbit feels threatened for speaking the truth?
