Jeremy Renner, known for his role in Marvel’s “Hawkeye,” is facing serious allegations from his former romantic partner Yi Zhou, a Chinese filmmaker. Zhou has accused Renner of inappropriate behavior, including threatening to contact immigration authorities after she confronted him about alleged misconduct. The situation escalated after she posted on Instagram, detailing her experiences with Renner, which have raised concerns among fans and the public.
Zhou, 34, who collaborated with Renner on a documentary and an animated film earlier this year, claimed their relationship began after he allegedly sent unsolicited pornographic images via Instagram and WhatsApp in June 2025. She described how Renner initiated contact before they began dating, raising alarms about his pursuit and the nature of the images exchanged.
The filmmaker recounted a particularly frightening incident where she felt compelled to lock herself in a room during a heated confrontation at Renner’s home in Reno, Nevada, claiming that he became excessively intoxicated and angry. Zhou described feeling unsafe as he yelled at her for hours, fearing for her life in the process.
In her communications with colleagues during the distressing episode in August, Zhou referred to Renner as “violent” and expressed her concerns about her safety. She received supportive messages from coworkers, including suggestions to find refuge in a bathroom until the situation calmed down.
In a dramatic turn, Zhou also alleged that Renner threatened her with calls to immigration authorities when she confronted him about his behavior, underscoring the power dynamics often faced by women and Asian filmmakers in the industry. She expressed through her Instagram posts that this situation exemplifies broader issues of mistreatment in Hollywood.
These allegations come in the shadow of prior legal troubles for Renner, including accusations made by his ex-wife, Sonni Pacheco, during a custody battle in 2019. Pacheco alleged that Renner engaged in dangerous drug use and made threats against both her life and his. Renner has denied these claims.
As Zhou bravely stands to voice her concerns, this incident raises critical points regarding accountability and the treatment of women in filmmaking. The implications of these allegations could foster more significant conversations about industry practices and the necessity for safer working environments for all creators.