Epstein Files Reveal Ties to Melania Trump’s Documentary Director, Sparking New Questions

The latest release of documents from Jeffrey Epstein’s long-sealed files has cast an unexpected shadow over one of the more unusual cultural artifacts of the Trump era: “Melania,” a feature-length documentary about the former first lady that Amazon acquired for a reported $40 million. The film, directed by Brett Ratner, has suddenly become a focal point in the ongoing scrutiny of Epstein’s network of powerful associates.

Among the newly unsealed photographs and contact lists is an image of Ratner, the Hollywood director once prominent for blockbusters like “Rush Hour” and “X-Men: The Last Stand,” posing alongside a close associate of Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump. The photograph, taken at a social event in the mid-2000s, has reignited debate over Ratner’s past and his selection to helm the Melania Trump project.

Ratner, 56, became a pariah in Hollywood after multiple women, including actresses Natasha Henstridge and Olivia Munn, publicly accused him of sexual misconduct during the height of the #MeToo movement in 2017. Ratner has denied all allegations, and no criminal charges were ever filed. Nonetheless, the accusations effectively ended his career as a major studio director. He has since worked in relative obscurity, making the high-profile commission to direct “Melania” particularly striking.

The documentary, which premiered in October 2024, was produced by Melania Trump’s own production company and acquired by Amazon in what industry insiders described as an unusually generous deal. Second-place bids were reportedly in the $15–20 million range, yet Amazon, under the leadership of Jeff Bezos, reportedly doubled that figure. The transaction has fueled speculation that the purchase was intended, at least in part, to maintain favorable relations with the incoming Trump administration.

The Epstein connection adds another layer of complexity. While there is no evidence that Melania Trump had any direct contact with Epstein or his circle, the fact that her chosen director appears in the unsealed materials has prompted fresh questions about vetting processes and judgment. Epstein’s files have been released in tranches over the past several years, and this latest batch includes previously withheld photographs and address books that name dozens of high-profile figures.

Survivors of Epstein’s abuse have expressed frustration that the narrative continues to focus on celebrity and political connections rather than on accountability for victims. Lisa Phillips, a prominent advocate and Epstein survivor who has worked closely with legal teams pursuing justice, said in a statement: “Every time these files are unsealed, we see more names, more photos, more evidence of how wide this network reached. The focus should remain on the victims, not on protecting reputations.”

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Amazon said the company does not comment on individual acquisitions but stands by its commitment to supporting diverse voices and storytelling.

The Ratner connection has also intersected with other recent developments in Hollywood and politics. President Trump has reportedly lobbied for the long-delayed “Rush Hour 4,” which would reunite Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker under Ratner’s direction. The project has been pitched to Paramount, whose parent company, Skydance Media, is backed by Oracle founder Larry Ellison and his son David Ellison. Skydance is currently in negotiations to acquire significant assets from Warner Bros. Discovery, including CNN — a transaction that has drawn scrutiny from antitrust regulators and media watchdogs.

Some observers have suggested that Trump’s interest in the film may be linked to broader influence efforts within the entertainment industry. Others dismiss such theories as speculative.

For now, the Epstein files continue to generate headlines that few could have anticipated when the first documents were released in 2019. What began as a criminal investigation into sex trafficking has evolved into a sprawling chronicle of elite power and privilege — one that shows no signs of concluding. Whether the latest revelations will have lasting consequences for Melania Trump’s carefully curated public image remains to be seen.