UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Jeremy Renner has issued a cease and desist letter to filmmaker Yi Zhou, following her explosive accusations against the Marvel star. This legal action comes just days after Zhou publicly claimed Renner sent her unsolicited explicit images and threatened her life.
The letter, obtained by TMZ, asserts that Renner and Zhou were never in a romantic relationship. Renner alleges that Zhou “aggressively” pursued him after their initial meeting in July 2023, which occurred while he was filming her documentary, Chronicles of Disney. He describes their interaction as a “brief consensual encounter,” insisting he communicated disinterest in any sexual relationship during a subsequent meeting in August.
Renner’s letter details that Zhou continued to send him “hundreds” of explicit messages even after he expressed his lack of interest, demanding a sexual relationship. He claims she threatened to “harm him publicly” unless he promoted her documentary and pretended they were in a relationship. He has also accused her of falsely identifying him as the narrator of an AI-generated film.
“We will take legal action if she does not stop spreading salacious lies,” Renner’s letter warns.
On Monday, Zhou took to Instagram, detailing her accusations against Renner, claiming he sent her “unsolicited pornographic images” and behaved in a threatening manner. She alleged that after confronting him about his misconduct, Renner threatened to contact ICE regarding her immigration status.
Renner’s attorney, Marty Singer, has since denied all of Zhou’s claims, labeling them as “false, outrageous and highly defamatory.” Zhou has countered by posting what she describes as evidence of their relationship, including text messages and photographs, on her social media. She also claims to have received similar accounts from other women regarding Renner’s behavior.
In a response to the latest legal developments, Zhou stated, “We have enough evidence… to show the pattern of pursuit.” She emphasized the importance of respect for women and the need for open dialogue regarding consent, even in intimate situations.
This ongoing dispute follows previous allegations against Renner by his ex-wife, Sonni Pacheco, who accused him of abusive behavior during their 2019 custody battle. Renner has consistently denied these allegations, suggesting they are sensationalized and harmful.
Renner, who recently survived a near-fatal snowplow accident in January 2023, has described his current outlook on life as one of gratitude and vulnerability. In a recent interview, he expressed his commitment to personal growth and connection, stating, “I’ve never been more connected and more open.”
As this story develops, both Renner and Zhou continue to share their sides of the narrative, raising serious questions about accountability and the dynamics of power in Hollywood. The immediate fallout from these allegations remains to be seen, with both parties poised for further legal action.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation.