Hollywood finds itself embroiled in another serious controversy as Chinese filmmaker Yi Zhou has leveled shocking allegations against Marvel star Jeremy Renner. The acclaimed director has accused the actor of sexual harassment, intimidation, and threatening to contact U.S. immigration authorities against her following a professional disagreement.
The Collaboration That Turned Controversial
What initially appeared as a promising partnership between two creative forces from different cultural backgrounds has now erupted into a public scandal. According to Zhou, Renner first reached out to her in June 2025 after discovering her work online. The Beijing-born director claims the actor sent unsolicited intimate photographs and expressed romantic interest toward her.
Despite these uncomfortable beginnings, Zhou agreed to professional collaborations on two film projects: the documentary Chronicles of Disney and the AI-animated feature Stardust Future. Both parties signed formal agreements involving Renner's likeness, image, and archival material for these ventures.
The professional relationship deteriorated during the production of Chronicles of Disney, which officially released on October 17, 2025. Zhou alleges that Renner subsequently refused to promote the documentary and used fan accounts to spread rumors that the film was entirely AI-generated, thereby damaging her professional credibility.
Serious Allegations and Evidence
The situation escalated dramatically during a meeting at Renner's residence in Reno, Nevada on August 20. Zhou claims the actor became angry and intoxicated, yelling continuously for hours. Fearing for her safety, she locked herself in a room and shared WhatsApp messages with colleagues who expressed concern about her wellbeing.
In one particularly disturbing incident documented through Instagram posts, Zhou states that when she privately confronted Renner about his behavior, he allegedly threatened her with deportation. The actor's message reportedly stated: Immigration will be notified of your— before being abruptly cut off.
The multimedia artist has publicly shared screenshots, messages, and photographs to substantiate her claims. She has also addressed posts to Hollywood peers and Academy members, emphasizing her desire to highlight how women and Asian filmmakers continue facing mistreatment within the entertainment industry.
Historical Context and Industry Implications
This isn't the first time Jeremy Renner has faced misconduct allegations. In 2019, his ex-wife Sonni Pacheco accused him of substance abuse and violent behavior during their custody battle—claims that Renner consistently denied.
The actor gained widespread sympathy in 2023 when he survived a near-fatal snowplow accident, becoming a symbol of resilience throughout his extensive recovery period.
Yi Zhou brings an impressive credentials to this controversy. As a Beijing-born director, writer and multimedia artist, she's recognized for experimental short films screened at prestigious festivals including Cannes and Sundance. Her professional portfolio includes collaborations with global brands such as Chanel, Hennessy, and Bobbi Brown.
Currently, Jeremy Renner hasn't issued any public response to Zhou's allegations. The claims remain unverified independently, and no legal proceedings have been initiated thus far. Zhou continues updating her social media followers, encouraging others in the industry to speak out against similar experiences.
This controversy has reignited crucial conversations about Hollywood's treatment of collaborators, particularly women and minority filmmakers. It also highlights the growing trend of using social media platforms to surface serious allegations before formal legal action is pursued.
