Hollywood star Jeremy Renner and multimedia artist Yi Zhou are embroiled in a heated legal battle, trading accusations over both their alleged personal relationship and professional collaborations on two upcoming film projects.
Renner, 54, best known for his role as Hawkeye in the Marvel franchise, has denied claims of a romantic involvement with Zhou, 37. Through his lawyer, Marty Singer, Renner issued a cease-and-desist letter to Zhou, alleging that she initiated unwanted advances and misused his name. Renner’s team maintains that while the actor agreed to be interviewed for Zhou’s documentary Chronicles of Disney, their personal contact was limited to a “brief consensual encounter” on July 12, 2025, after which Renner made it clear he was not interested in a sexual relationship.
“The accusations are totally inaccurate and untrue,” Singer told People magazine, describing Zhou’s claims as “false, outrageous, and highly defamatory.” Renner reportedly has ignored repeated messages from Zhou, some of which allegedly contained sexually explicit content.
Zhou, a Chinese-born filmmaker, has countered with her own cease-and-desist letters and publicly aired allegations against Renner. She claims the actor first contacted her in June with unwanted sexual messages and images, and that he later denied any personal or professional connection after written agreements were signed for two projects: Masters of Cinema: Chronicles of Disney and the animated feature Stardust Future. Both projects are tied to charitable causes, including some associated with Renner himself.
A particularly serious accusation from Zhou is that Renner threatened her with U.S. immigration authorities (ICE) when she confronted him about his behavior, which she claims caused personal and reputational harm. Zhou also suggested Renner attempted to cover his tracks by changing social media profiles and logging out of messaging apps.
Zhou further stated that at least four women have shared similar allegations of misconduct and abuse against Renner, with another potential witness preparing to come forward. Screenshots posted on social media are presented by Zhou as evidence supporting her claims.
The legal and personal dispute between Renner and Zhou remains unresolved, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives about the nature of their relationship and professional dealings.
