Hollywood actor Jeremy Renner, famous for his role as Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has strongly denied shocking allegations made by his Chinese film partner Yi Zhou. The filmmaker accused Renner of threatening to call US immigration authorities on her during a heated argument.
The Allegations and Denial
Jeremy Renner's representative issued a firm statement to Page Six on Friday, completely rejecting the claims. "The allegations being made are totally inaccurate and untrue," the statement declared. This response comes after Zhou, a 34-year-old Chinese filmmaker, made a series of serious accusations against the 54-year-old actor on Instagram this week.
The controversy stems from their professional collaboration on a documentary and an animated film. Zhou alleged that their relationship turned romantic before deteriorating dramatically. She claimed that in June 2025, Renner sent her "a string of unwanted/unsolicited pornographic images of himself" through direct messages and WhatsApp.
The Terrifying Night at Renner's Home
According to Zhou's account to the Daily Mail, the situation escalated during a meeting at Renner's Nevada home in Reno. They were discussing logistics for their documentary "Chronicles of Disney" when the actor allegedly consumed an entire bottle of wine alone and became increasingly angry.
"He drank a bottle of wine alone and got angry and angry yelling for two hours," Zhou told the publication. The filmmaker described taking extreme safety measures during the incident. "I had to location share to my team, my parents and Disney colleagues in case something happens to me they know where I am," she revealed.
Zhou claimed she locked herself in a room for safety, praying that Renner wouldn't enter during the night. "I did not say a word, I was so scared for my life," she explained, adding that she had previously informed a colleague she would be safe at the actor's residence.
The ICE Threat and Text Message Evidence
The most serious allegation involves Renner allegedly threatening to contact US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Zhou stated this threat came after she confronted him about his "violent and scary behaviour."
"When I called him out privately about his past misconduct and asked him to behave properly, to respect me as a woman and as a filmmaker, he threatened to call immigration/ICE on me, an act that deeply shocked and frightened me," Zhou wrote on Instagram.
The Daily Mail published what it claims are text messages exchanged during the incident. In these messages, Zhou called Renner "violent" and expressed being "worried." A concerned co-worker allegedly texted her: "Can you lock yourself in the bathroom? He sounds crazy."
Zhou responded: "I did lock hope he can't open. I'm worried he yelled for 2 hours with one bottle of wine down alone." Another exchange showed Zhou calling Renner a "pig" and telling him to "go to hell," while allegedly writing: "U use all apps to send d--k pix. No one said anything. So far."
Renner's reported response was even more alarming: "Immigration will be notified of your --" though Zhou didn't reveal the complete message.
Previous Controversies and Current Status
This isn't the first time Jeremy Renner has faced allegations of abusive behavior. His ex-wife Sonni Pacheco, whom he was married to from 2014 to 2015, previously claimed he was an "unfit parent" and accused him of substance abuse and violent threats.
Renner dismissed these earlier allegations in a July interview with The Guardian, calling them "clickbait." The actor currently shares joint custody of their 12-year-old daughter Ava with Pacheco.
Zhou described coming forward with her story as "a story of survival against domestic aggression, porn abuse and abuse of workplace and abuse as a woman." She told the Daily Mail that she had been in a relationship with Renner, who has since "found new love" with someone else.
The allegations come as Renner continues his recovery from a near-fatal snowplough accident in January 2023 that left him with multiple broken bones. The actor has been gradually returning to work, including his role in "Mayor of Kingstown" season 4.
As of now, Jeremy Renner maintains his complete innocence against all allegations, while Yi Zhou stands by her account of events. The situation continues to develop as more details emerge about their professional and personal relationship.
