UPDATE: Marvel star Jeremy Renner is facing serious allegations from filmmaker Yi Zhou, prompting him to issue a cease and desist letter just hours ago. Renner claims that Zhou’s accusations of their romantic involvement are unfounded and that she has been “aggressively” pursuing him since their first meeting in July.
In the letter obtained by TMZ, Renner insists their relationship was strictly professional, originating from his participation in Zhou’s documentary, Chronicles of Disney. He alleges that Zhou made advances during their initial encounter and that he clearly expressed his disinterest in a sexual relationship during a follow-up meeting in August.
Renner reveals that after rejecting Zhou’s advances, she bombarded him with “hundreds” of explicit messages, demanding a sexual relationship. He accuses her of threatening to “harm him publicly” unless he promoted her documentary and misrepresented their relationship. The letter further cautions Zhou that she could face legal consequences if she does not cease spreading what Renner calls “salacious lies.”
“I did not give her a reason to believe we were in a relationship,” Renner stated.
Zhou, who went public with her claims on Instagram on Monday, alleged that Renner sent her “unsolicited pornographic images” and threatened to contact immigration authorities after she confronted him about his conduct. In her statement to the Daily Beast, she described her relationship with Renner as reciprocal, despite the ongoing allegations.
She has shared what she claims to be evidence of their interactions, including photos, text messages, and emails. Zhou also posted messages from other women who allege similar experiences with Renner, calling for others to come forward.
In response to Renner’s cease and desist, Zhou shared an Instagram post stating, “We have enough evidence… to show the pattern of pursuit.” She emphasized the need for respect for women in all situations, urging dialogue on the matter.
Renner’s attorney, Marty Singer, has labeled Zhou’s allegations as “false, outrageous, and highly defamatory,” reinforcing Renner’s stance against her claims.
This legal dispute comes as Renner, a two-time Oscar nominee known for playing Clint “Hawkeye” Barton in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has faced previous accusations of abusive behavior from his ex-wife, Sonni Pacheco. Pacheco alleged dangerous drug use and threats during a 2019 custody battle, claims Renner has consistently denied.
Renner, who survived a near-fatal snowplow accident in early 2023, described his current state as one of renewal, stating that he has never felt more connected and present in his life. “It’s all that matters to me,” he said in a recent interview.
The situation is rapidly developing, and both parties appear committed to pursuing legal action. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
