Chinese director Yi Zhou accuses American actor Jeremy Renner of sexual harassment. In a series of posts on Instagram, the 37-year-old filmmaker explains that the actor, star of the “Avengers” saga, allegedly contacted her in June to send her “a series of unsolicited pornographic images of himself via private messages and WhatsApp.”
Director Yi Zhou and actor Jeremy Renner PHOTO: Instagram
Despite this incident, Yi Zhou claims that she was seduced by Jeremy Renner, who allegedly showed her such strong affection that she believed in “the power of love”. However, she assures that she quickly lost her illusions.
In an interview given to the British publication Daily Mail, the director confesses that “I feared for my life” her during a meeting at Jeremy Renner’s home, in August, when the actor, in a drunken state, behaved violently towards her, writes News.
“He drank a bottle of wine by himself and got angry, screaming for two hours“, the director explained to the Daily Mail. “I had to tell my colleagues and my parents where I was, so that in case something happened to me, they would know where I was.
I had to lock myself in a room to be safe, praying he wouldn’t come into the room at night because he was very angry. I didn’t say a word, I was so scared for my life”she added.
Jeremy Renner has denied harassment allegations made against him by director Yi Zhou, who claims the actor sent her “personal and intimate photos of himself” and had disturbing behavior on one occasion, which caused her to lock herself in a room.
“The accusations brought are totally inaccurate and untrue”a rep for Renner told Variety.
“This experience really shows the dark side of Hollywood and the smear campaign to discourage Asian women and filmmakers, and women in general.” Zhou wrote in a post. “I am horrified, but also happy to read many messages of support from friends and the media, who will continue to expose domestic abuse, abuse of women and unwanted and unsolicited pornographic attacks on innocent young women.”
Before his accusations, Yi Zhou and Jeremy Renner collaborated on several projects. The director made the documentary “Chronicles of Disney“, dedicated to the history of the studios, in which the actor was interviewed.
Jeremy Renner has lent his voice to a character in the animated film “Stardust Future: Stars and Scars”, directed by Yi Zhou, presented as the first feature film created entirely by an artificial intelligence. According to Variety, this film is set to be released in November to be eligible for the Oscars.
The actor, known for his role as Falcon in the Marvel saga, had already been accused of domestic violence by his ex-wife, Sonni Pacheco. The couple were married for ten months before the Canadian model filed for divorce in 2015. She said the actor threatened to kill her. He also allegedly used a gun to shoot into the air in their home while their daughter, Ava, born in 2013, was present and sleeping.
