The Jeremy Renner and Yi Zhou Debacle

on November 10, 2025

The "Renner Zhou controversy" involves Chinese filmmaker Yi Zhou accusing actor Jeremy Renner of sexual misconduct, harassment, and threatening to involve immigration authorities (ICE) using Direct Messaging and Whatsapp.

Jeremy Renner denies harassment claims

Shortly after Yi Zhou made some bombshell claims about Jeremy Renner, including allegations that he had sent her unsolicited pictures of himself, the Avengers star has now hit back. According to the latest reports from TMZ, the actor sent a cease-and-desist letter through his attorney, Marty Singer, claiming that he and Zhou did have a brief romantic encounter, but he later turned down her advances.

Renner threatened to take legal action against the filmmaker if she did not stop spreading “salacious lies” and exploiting his name and likeness. Zhou, however, told TMZ that she had sent Renner three cease-and-desist letters of her own over the past month.

What was not reported was why the communications continued in the face of the inappropriate messaging and erratic behavior of Renner.

Timeline

Summer 2025 (June)

Zhou and Renner entered professional agreements to collaborate on two film projects: a documentary titled Chronicles of Disney and an animated film Stardust Future. The pair also developed a romantic relationship during this time.

August 2025

During a meeting at Renner's home in Reno, Nevada, to discuss the documentary, Zhou alleged that an intoxicated Renner became aggressive and yelled for two hours. Out of fear for her safety, she locked herself in a bathroom and shared her location with her team and family.

August/September 2025

Renner's lawyer claims that after a "brief consensual encounter," Renner ended the relationship in August, but Zhou continued to send him sexually explicit messages. Zhou, conversely, claimed that the relationship soured after Renner publicly denied their relationship and professional collaboration and refused to promote their films.

October 2025 

Zhou confirmed her relationship with Renner to the Daily Mail, stating they had "found new love".

Late October/Early November 2025

Zhou confronted Renner privately about his alleged past misconduct and behavior. She claims that in response, he threatened to call U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on her.

November 6-7, 2025 

Zhou went public with her allegations in a series of Instagram posts and an interview with the Daily Mail, sharing screenshots of alleged text messages and conversations as proof.

November 8, 2025

Renner, through his lawyer Marty Singer, strongly denied all allegations, calling them "false, outrageous and highly defamatory" and retaliatory. Both sides then issued cease-and-desist letters to each other.

November 9-10, 2025 

News outlets continued to cover the escalating public dispute, including claims from Zhou that another victim would be coming forward. 

As of November 10, 2025, no formal legal action or criminal charges have been publicly announced; the dispute remains a public one involving counter-claims and cease-and-desist letters.

Status of Yi Zhou's Documentary

Completion and Release

The documentary titled Chronicles of Disney, directed by Yi Zhou, was completed and released on October 17, 2025. This film features contributions from various artists, including Jeremy Renner, and explores the legacy of the Walt Disney Company through the voices of those who have shaped its magic.

Content and Focus

The documentary provides a personal and intimate look at Disney's history, showcasing insights from artists and collaborators. It aims to highlight the creative processes and experiences of those involved with Disney over the years. Contributors to the doc include Jeremy Renner, who discusses how his recovery following a near-fatal accident was inspired by his desire to complete the Disney+ series 'Rennervations.' Other talking heads include two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Mark Bridges, Oscar–winning makeup artist Bill Corso, and Oscar nominees Donald Mowat and Camille Friend.

Controversy Surrounding the Film

Following its release, the documentary became part of a public controversy involving Yi Zhou and Jeremy Renner. Zhou accused Renner of sending unsolicited explicit images and threatening her, which she claimed affected the promotion and reception of the documentary. Renner has denied these allegations, calling them false and defamatory.

In summary, Chronicles of Disney was finished and released, but it has been overshadowed by the allegations made by Yi Zhou against Jeremy Renner.

The Law

In California, unwanted sexting can lead to charges like sexual harassment (for electronic messages), and for sending or possessing certain types of images, charges under laws such as the one for child sexual abuse material or indecent exposure could be considered depending on the specifics of the case. 

For example, a pattern of sending repeated, unwanted sexual messages might be grounds for sexual harassment. One should call local law enforcement to report receiving unwanted sexually explicit material.

Penal Code § 314(1) - This can be a charge if someone sends lewd images of themselves with the intent to expose themselves, and if the act is willful. Penalties for a first offense are typically a misdemeanor, but a second offense can be treated as a felony.

Sexual Harassment - Civil Code 51.9 - This may apply to unwanted or excessive electronic communication, such as suggestive or obscene messages, notes, emails, or other digital content. While often discussed in employment contexts, harassment can also occur in other situations.

Stalking - Unwanted sexual messages or images, especially if sent repeatedly and intended to harass or intimidate, could be part of a pattern of stalking behavior.

In cases of confidentiality clauses

Civil Code 1670.11 - makes any provision in a contract or settlement agreement void if it prohibits a party from testifying about alleged criminal conduct or sexual harassment by the other party. This law applies to agreements entered into on or after January 1, 2019, and specifically covers situations where the party is requested to testify via a court order, subpoena, or written request from an administrative agency or the legislature.