Melania Documentary Director Appears in Epstein Photos, No Allegations Made- Newly released materials tied to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein include photographs showing film director Brett Ratner, who recently directed the documentary Melania, in social settings alongside Epstein and others connected to his circle. The images are part of a broader release of records made public by the U.S. Department of Justice.
In several photographs, Ratner is seen seated on a sofa next to Epstein with two women whose faces have been obscured by authorities. In one image, Ratner has his arm around one of the women, while Epstein sits nearby. The exact date, location and circumstances under which the photos were taken are not specified in the released files.
Additional images show Ratner with Jean-Luc Brunel, a French modeling agent who was a longtime associate of Epstein. Brunel died by suicide in a French jail in 2022 while awaiting trial on charges related to the sexual assault of minors. Brunel had been accused by multiple women of recruiting underage girls for Epstein, allegations he denied before his death.
The Justice Department has not accused Ratner of any criminal wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, and no allegations against him appear in the released documents. Officials and legal experts have emphasized that the presence of an individual in Epstein-related records or photographs does not, by itself, indicate illegal activity or involvement in Epstein’s crimes.
The newly disclosed images are part of a large-scale document release that includes photographs, emails, contact lists and other records connected to Epstein’s extensive social and professional network. The files reference numerous public figures from politics, business, and entertainment, many of whom have not been accused of misconduct.
The timing of the release has drawn attention because it coincides with the debut of Melania, Ratner’s documentary focusing on former first lady Melania Trump. The film has attracted public interest and political scrutiny, placing additional focus on Ratner’s past associations.
Ratner, a once-prominent Hollywood director known for commercially successful films in the early 2000s, has previously faced unrelated allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denied. Those claims significantly impacted his career, though they are not connected to the Epstein materials.
As journalists and researchers continue to examine the newly released records, authorities have reiterated that the documents must be interpreted carefully. While the images add to the public record surrounding Epstein’s social world, they do not establish criminal liability without supporting evidence.
