Jeremy Renner Addresses Harassment Allegations From Filmmaker Yi Zhou

Actor Jeremy Renner has denied harassment allegations made by filmmaker Yi Zhou, who claims that Renner sent her explicit photographs and exhibited threatening behavior during a private encounter, including ICE blackmail.

A representative for Renner told Variety, “The allegations being made are totally inaccurate and untrue.”

Zhou, 37, publicly shared her claims on Instagram earlier this week, using hashtags like #Cancel and #CancelJeremyRenner. She alleged that Renner first contacted her in June with what she described as “a string of unwanted/unsolicited pornographic images of himself via DM and WhatsApp” and later seduced her with manipulative behavior.

Zhou also said she experienced targeted harassment and smear campaigns online, writing that the situation shows “the dark side of Hollywood and the smear campaign to deter women and Asian female filmmakers and women in general.”

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Zhou added details about an encounter on August 20 while discussing a documentary project. She claimed that Renner consumed a bottle of wine and behaved violently, prompting her to lock herself in a room out of fear.

Before these allegations, Renner and Zhou had been collaborating on several projects. Zhou is directing the documentary Chronicles of Disney, featuring Renner as an interview subject.

The film also includes costume designer Mark Bridges and makeup artist Bill Corso. Renner is additionally a voice actor in Zhou’s animated feature Stardust Future: Stars and Scars, which is reportedly the first feature created entirely using AI. The project aimed for a November awards-qualifying release, with some proceeds benefiting Renner’s charity, the Rennervation Foundation.

Allegations of harassment are serious, and it’s important for all parties to have their voices heard and for investigations to be conducted properly. Renner’s denial highlights the need for clarity, while Zhou’s public statements reflect her concerns and experiences. This story shows how complicated professional and personal interactions in Hollywood can become.

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