UPDATE: In a dramatic turn of events, Marvel star Jeremy Renner has issued a cease and desist letter in response to filmmaker Yi Zhou’s explosive allegations, claiming their relationship was never romantic. The letter, obtained by TMZ, reveals that Renner asserts Zhou “aggressively” pursued him after their working relationship began while filming her documentary, Chronicles of Disney.
According to Renner, their first meeting took place in July 2023, where he claims they had a “brief consensual encounter.” However, he insists that when they met again in August, he made it clear he was not interested in a sexual relationship. Renner alleges that Zhou bombarded him with “hundreds” of explicit messages demanding intimacy, escalating the situation to a point where he felt threatened.
Jeremy Renner’s cease and desist letter warns Zhou that if she continues to spread “salacious lies,” he will take legal action. The letter also addresses Zhou’s claims about Renner threatening to harm her publicly unless he promoted her documentary, alongside accusations of her misrepresenting his involvement in an AI-generated film.
Zhou took to Instagram to publicly accuse Renner of sending her “unsolicited pornographic images” and behaving in a manner that made her fear for her life. She further claimed that after confronting him about his misconduct, he threatened to report her to immigration authorities. Zhou has shared what she claims to be evidence of their relationship, including photos, text messages, and a short pornographic clip allegedly sent by Renner.
In a statement to The Daily Beast, Zhou expressed her view that the legal threats from Renner were unfounded, stating, “I’m not upset with Jeremy at all,” and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution. She also called for respect for women in the industry, urging others to share their experiences with Renner.
Renner’s lawyer, Marty Singer, has dismissed Zhou’s allegations as “false, outrageous and highly defamatory,” indicating that the actor is prepared to fight back.
This latest development comes amid a backdrop of Renner’s past accusations of abusive behavior during a custody dispute with his ex-wife, Sonni Pacheco, who previously alleged dangerous drug use and threats against her life. Renner has publicly denied these allegations, portraying himself as a victim of sensationalist media.
As the situation unfolds, fans and observers are left questioning the implications for both Renner and Zhou in the highly scrutinized Hollywood landscape. The gripping nature of this legal battle has already drawn significant attention, raising concerns about the treatment of women within the industry and the potential repercussions for Renner’s career.
Stay tuned as this story develops, with both parties expected to respond further in the upcoming days.
