Melania Trump Documentary Director Brett Ratner Named in Epstein Files

Brett Ratner, the Hollywood filmmaker best known for directing the “Rush Hour” franchise, has surfaced in the latest batch of Jeffrey Epstein files released by the US Justice Department. The disclosure comes as Ratner is preparing to release a new documentary centered on First Lady Melania Trump, marking his return to directing after years out of the spotlight.

The files include an undated photograph showing Ratner posing with a shirtless Jean-Luc Brunel, a longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein. The image provides no information about when or where it was taken, nor any context for the encounter.

Brunel, a French modeling agent who worked with Epstein for years, died by suicide in a French jail cell in 2022 while facing charges that included raping a minor and supplying minors to Epstein. The appearance of Ratner in the photo does not include any allegations or claims of wrongdoing tied to the filmmaker.

USA TODAY said it has contacted Ratner’s representatives and his production company, RatPac Entertainment, seeking comment on the image. As of publication, no response has been made public.

Ratner is one of many well-known figures appearing in photos included in the newly released Epstein files. Other prominent names reportedly featured include former President Bill Clinton, actors Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker, as well as music legends Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross.

The renewed attention comes at a pivotal moment in Ratner’s career. He recently directed a documentary titled “Melania,” which follows the 20 days before the former model returned to the White House after Donald Trump was inaugurated on Jan. 20. Fox News released a trailer for the film on Dec. 17, ahead of its scheduled Jan. 30 debut.

At the same time, Ratner is linked to a possible revival of the “Rush Hour” franchise. Paramount Pictures is reportedly developing “Rush Hour 4,” with Ratner expected to return alongside stars Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, according to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

Ratner’s career stalled in 2017 after six women accused him of sexual misconduct during the #MeToo movement, including actresses Olivia Munn and Natasha Henstridge. No criminal charges were filed, but the fallout was significant. Warner Bros. cut ties with Ratner later that year, and “Rush Hour 4” was put on hold.

“Melania” marks Ratner’s first directorial project since the 2014 film “Hercules,” signaling a notable and controversial return.

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