Filmmaker accuses Jeremy Renner of domestic violence, sending explicit images
What's the story
Hollywood actor Jeremy Renner has been accused of domestic violence and sending sexually explicit images to Chinese filmmaker Yi Zhou. Zhou made the allegations on social media, where she also shared several screenshots of conversations with Renner. Zhou alleged that when she confronted him, he threatened to report her to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She wrote in one of her many explosive posts, "I believed in a Disney fairy tale...when Jeremy Renner reached out to me and pursued me."
Denial
'Allegations totally inaccurate and untrue'
A representative of Renner (54) has denied the allegations. They told Page Six, "The allegations being made are totally inaccurate and untrue." Zhou (37) claimed that she initially did not speak up about receiving "unsolicited pornographic" images from Renner because he "talked me into having a relationship with him, sold me his love." She later alleged that he started a "smear campaign" against her when she began to speak out.
Relationship details
Zhou claimed they were in a romantic relationship
Zhou and Renner's professional relationship began earlier this year while working on the documentary Master of Cinema 2: Chronicles of Disney and the animated film Stardust Future: Stars and Scars. Zhou alleged that she invited Renner to these projects after he introduced himself to her. In a previous Instagram post, she implied they were in a romantic relationship, stating, "What I've learned since then is simple but profound: love heals."
Alleged incidents
Zhou feared for her life, locked herself in the bathroom
Zhou allegedly told a friend that she had locked herself in the bathroom after Renner "yelled" at her for two hours. She also claimed he was "violent" and she was "worried" for her safety. Zhou has been posting several pictures of Renner in his home to prove they were dating. She wrote on Instagram, "I am sad to be frauded by love and to be denied love."
Additional claims
Other women have come forward with similar claims
Following Zhou's allegations, several other women have reportedly come forward and claimed to have experienced similar behavior from Renner. One woman wrote, "You are not alone. He did the same things to me. He claimed he was a changed person after the accident." The identities of these women remain undisclosed, and they have yet to confirm their stories independently.
Past allegations
Ex-wife accused him of being an 'unfit parent'
Renner has a history of alleged abusive behavior. His ex-wife, Sonni Pacheco, accused him of being an "unfit parent" due to substance abuse and violence threats. Renner dismissed the allegations in a July interview with The Guardian, labeling them as "clickbait." He and Pacheco currently share joint custody of their 12-year-old daughter, Ava.