The director of a new documentary on US First Lady Melania Trump, Brett Ratner, has been captured in images embracing a young woman alongside the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The images released by the US Department of Justice drew attention as they were publicized on the same day as the premiere of Ratner's film, Melania: 20 Days to History.
In the photos, Ratner is seen sitting on a sofa with Epstein and two women whose identities are obscured. The specific timing of the images remains unclear, although they appear linked to prior public images of Ratner and Epstein with the late modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel.
While there is no indication of wrongdoing associated with the released images, their emergence prompts questions about Ratner's connections with high-profile individuals tied to Epstein, who died in custody while waiting for trial on sex trafficking charges.
The documentary has already faced a lukewarm reception from critics, partly due to its connections with the Trump administration, and is Ratner's first project since allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced during the #MeToo movement in 2017, allegations he has denied.
As the media continues to explore the implications of the released photos, attention also turns to the broader context of Epstein’s dealings with numerous public figures, sparking discussions on the complexities of celebrity, power, and accountability.
