The drama between filmmaker Yi Zhou and actor Jeremy Renner exploded into the public eye last week, and the truth about money may surprise you. Now, Yi Zhou insists she isn’t after Renner’s wallet; she’s speaking out to empower women to voice discomfort when something feels off. Zhou told TMZ in Beverly Hills Tuesday night:
I thought it was love — maybe true love … It seems that he thinks otherwise.
Zhou isn’t chasing clout cash from Jeremy Renner. She further adds:
I just want women to feel safe.
Renner claims their relationship was merely a “brief consensual encounter” in July, later stating he was not interested in a s*xual relationship when they met again in August and relegating her to a guest bedroom. Zhou, however, believed he was her significant other, recalling that he pursued her relentlessly with intimate pics and videos before winning her over.
Their collaboration on a Disney documentary soured quickly, culminating in Zhou claiming Renner even threatened to call ICE on her. Zhou sent him three cease-and-desist letters, while Renner’s team also responded with legal action over an A.I.-animated project (Stardust Futures: Stars and Scars) allegedly using his voice. Despite everything, Zhou maintains hope that Renner will “develop more that side of him” that initially drew her in.
Jeremy Renner’s Friends Fear Yi Zhou Allegation Could ‘Kill Him’ After Snowplough Accident: Report
Jeremy Renner’s circle of friends is reportedly on edge following Yi Zhou’s allegations, expressing concern that the scandal could jeopardize his already fragile health. In January 2023, the actor survived a near-fatal snowplow accident while rescuing his nephew near his Nevada property, sustaining more than 30 broken bones and severe head trauma. Investigators ruled the crash an accident, with no signs of foul play or impairment.
Now, with the resurfacing allegations, unsolicited s*xual photos in June and threats involving ICE in August, friends worry about the human cost of stress and scandal. “Could literally kill him,” IBTimes sources say, noting that the combination of physical vulnerability and public pressure is alarming.
Colleagues like Anthony Mackie have praised Renner’s resilience, calling him “the pure definition of a strong human being,” but even strength has limits when compounded by trauma and controversy. The Hurt Locker actor faces more than reputational harm; the allegations could impact his ability to return fully to physical and professional roles.
Jeremy Renner Denies Sending Unsolicited S*xual Messages, Refutes ICE Threat Claims
Jeremy Renner’s camp vehemently denies Yi Zhou’s claims. Zhou alleges in a series of Instagram posts that in June 2025, he sent a “string of unwanted / unsolicited p*rnographic images” and later threatened to call ICE when confronted. Renner’s attorney, Marty Singer, dismissed the allegations as “false, outrageous and highly defamatory,” attributing them to retaliation after Renner allegedly rejected Zhou’s romantic advances (per PEOPLE).
According to Singer, the pair met once in July for a documentary interview in Reno, Nev., resulting in a “brief consensual encounter.” Renner allegedly ignored subsequent s*xually explicit messages from Zhou. She insists she included Renner in her projects, believing they were in an evolving love relationship. She told PEOPLE she was “frauded by love” and wants the MeToo movement to continue fighting for women’s safety.
Renner’s team has issued a cease-and-desist letter demanding Zhou stop “defamatory communications” and refrain from spreading “false, fabricated and salacious lies,” warning of legal action if the harassment persists. Can her message inspire more women to share their truth without fear? Comment below!
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