Melania's documentary director, Brett Ratner's photo appears in Epstein files
What's the story
Hollywood director Brett Ratner, who is currently working on a Melania Trump documentary, has been spotted in a newly released photo from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The image, shared by the Department of Justice (DOJ), shows Ratner posing with late French model agent and Epstein associate Jean-Luc Brunel. The DOJ released thousands of files recently after President Donald Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Details
Ratner's photo with Brunel raises eyebrows
In the photo, a shirtless Brunel is seen being hugged by Ratner, 56, in a poorly lit room. The image lacks any additional context, such as the date or location. Brunel was facing charges of raping a minor when he died by suicide in his Paris prison cell in 2022. He had earlier been named by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's most prominent complainants, who alleged she had sex with him as a minor on multiple occasions.
Background
Ratner's history of sexual assault allegations and filmography
Ratner has been accused of sexual assault by several women, including Olivia Munn and Natasha Henstridge. He was also accused of outing a then-18-year-old Elliot Page. His upcoming film, MELANIA, is his first directorial venture since 2014's Hercules. He has also produced films like The Lego Ninjago Movie (2017) and Georgetown (2019). Ratner is known for directing the Rush Hour series, The Family Man, X-Men: The Last Stand, and Tower Heist.
DOJ release
DOJ's release of Epstein investigation files
The DOJ's recent release included five separate data sets with around 3,900 files. These documents and photos range from a full scan of the book Massage for Dummies to a fully redacted 119-page grand jury filing. The files also feature images of celebrities and political figures such as Bill Clinton, Kevin Spacey, and Michael Jackson. However, at least 16 have reportedly been removed from the DOJ webpage to protect victims.
Epstein's demise
Epstein's death and its investigation
Epstein, who was facing federal conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, died in August 2019 at 66. He was found hanging in his jail cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City. His death was ruled a suicide. The DOJ's release comes after Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates the public release of all documents related to the investigation.