Melania Trump Film’s Director Exposed in Epstein Files Drop: Report

Brett Ratner, the controversial filmmaker tapped to direct the upcoming Amazon documentary “Melania” about First Lady Melania Trump, has been identified in newly released Jeffrey Epstein files, Vanity Fair reported late Friday.

The connection revives scrutiny of Ratner’s Hollywood comeback and raises questions about the Trumps’ decision to entrust him with an intimate portrayal of the First Lady.

The Justice Department’s Friday release of thousands of Epstein-related documents included an updated photograph showing Ratner posing with a shirtless man believed to be Jean-Luc Brunel, the late French model scout and owner of MC2 Model Management.

Brunel, who received significant financial backing from Epstein, died by apparent suicide in 2022 while awaiting trial on trafficking charges. Epstein himself died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on similar charges.

The image, part of a broader cache of Epstein estate materials, does not depict any illegal activity but places Ratner in the late financier’s orbit at a time when Brunel was already under suspicion. Ratner has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein or Brunel.

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Ratner’s Hollywood Fall and Resurgence

Ratner, 56, made his directorial debut in the 1990s with Money Talks and achieved major success with the Rush Hour franchise starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. At his peak, he was a prolific producer and director, helming films like X-Men: The Last Stand and Tower Heist.

His career collapsed in 2018 amid the #MeToo movement. Multiple women accused him of s*xual misconduct, including one who alleged he forced her to perform oral s**. Warner Bros. cut ties with Ratner, declining to renew a $450 million financing deal with his RatPac-Dune Entertainment. The studio also shelved planned projects.

Ratner moved to Israel in 2023, largely out of the U.S. spotlight. In a surprising turn, Paramount greenlit Rush Hour 4 with Ratner attached to direct—reportedly after personal lobbying from President Donald Trump. The decision drew criticism from industry figures and advocates who argued it undermined accountability efforts.

Ratner was announced in January 2025 as director of Melania, a $40 million Amazon documentary chronicling the First Lady’s activities in the 20 days leading up to Trump’s January 2025 inauguration. The film promises unprecedented access to Melania, who has maintained a low public profile during her husband’s second term.

The choice of Ratner for such a sensitive project—focused on a woman who has positioned herself as an advocate for child welfare and anti-bullying—has drawn skepticism. Critics question whether the Trumps’ endorsement reflects a willingness to overlook past allegations for creative talent or personal loyalty.

The Epstein file connection adds another layer of controversy. While the photograph does not implicate Ratner in wrongdoing, its emergence in the same release as other high-profile associations with Epstein has fueled online speculation and renewed calls for scrutiny of Hollywood’s ties to the late financier.

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Epstein Files and Hollywood Reckoning

The Justice Department’s ongoing release of Epstein materials—mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act—continues to reveal connections among powerful figures. Ratner’s appearance alongside Brunel, a key Epstein associate, highlights the persistent shadow cast by the scandal.

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Ratner has denied all sexual misconduct allegations and has not been charged. He has described the 2018 accusations as part of a “smear campaign.”

The White House and Amazon have not commented on the Vanity Fair report or Ratner’s inclusion in the files. Production on Melania remains on track for a January 30, 2026, limited theatrical release.