"Melania" Director Ratner Hugs a Woman Intimately in Epstein Photo - Brett Ratner's Hollywood comeback overshadowed by Jeffrey Epstein ties in new court docs
Brett Ratner, the 56-year-old filmmaker whose career collapsed in 2017, has recently re-emerged in Hollywood. His new documentary Melania, released in early 2026, marks his first directorial project since sexual misconduct allegations derailed his work. Now, newly released court docs have placed him back in the spotlight—this time linked to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Ratner's downfall began in 2017 when seven actresses accused him of sexual misconduct. Warner Bros. immediately cut ties, halting his projects and leaving his career in ruins. For years, he remained out of the public eye, with no major film credits to his name.
In December 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice published a second batch of Epstein-related docs. The release included over three million pages of records, thousands of videos, and more than 100,000 photos. Among them were images showing Ratner with Epstein, modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, and unidentified young women—some with blurred faces. One photo appeared to place Ratner and Epstein in the same location as earlier controversial images.
Despite the renewed scrutiny, Ratner's professional fortunes shifted slightly with Melania, a documentary about former U.S. first lady Melania Trump. The film's release in 2025 signalled a cautious return to directing. Now, reports claim that former President Donald Trump has been pushing for Ratner to helm Rush Hour 4. Sources suggest Trump has applied pressure on Paramount to bring the director back for the long-awaited sequel.
The Epstein docs continue to draw attention, particularly to powerful figures named within them. Ratner's inclusion in the files has not stopped his gradual return to filmmaking. With Trump's reported backing, his potential involvement in Rush Hour 4 could mark a significant step in his attempted comeback.
