In a new release from the Department of Justice, Hollywood director Brett Ratner, best known for films like Rush Hour, finds himself caught in the latest round of Epstein-related files.
Ratner, who most recently directed the controversial documentary Melania, is seen in a photo sitting on a couch with his arms around an unidentified woman, raising questions about his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, per the New York Post.
Brett Ratner Pictured with Epstein and Mysterious Woman
The newly released images show Ratner seated on the far left end of a couch, wearing a white shirt and denim jeans, as he embraces a woman seated next to Jeffrey Epstein.
A second woman is positioned at the far right end of the sofa. Both women’s faces have been redacted, leaving their identities unknown.
In one of the images, Ratner and Epstein are seen smiling together for the camera.
These photos were made public on Friday as part of a batch of documents and images related to Epstein, further linking Hollywood figures to the notorious financier’s inner circle.
While many of the details remain unclear, the photos have sparked renewed scrutiny of those connected to Epstein.
Ratner’s Past Involvement with Epstein Network
This is not the first time Ratner has been linked to Epstein.
In a previous batch of documents, Ratner was photographed with Jean-Luc Brunel, a French modeling agent who had ties to Epstein.
Brunel, who was found dead in his jail cell in 2022, had faced serious accusations, including charges related to the rape of a child.
The latest DOJ release continues to shine a light on Ratner’s connections to individuals who have been entangled in Epstein’s world, prompting more questions about the extent of his involvement.
Brett Ratner’s Comeback with ‘Melania’ Documentary
The release of these photos comes at a time when Ratner is attempting a comeback in Hollywood.
His first major feature film since being accused of sexual misconduct in 2017 is Melania, a documentary about the First Lady of the United States.
Amazon made a massive financial commitment to Melania, acquiring the worldwide licensing rights for $40 million, in addition to a hefty $35 million marketing budget.
Even with the financial backing from Amazon, the movie has not done well at the box office, with only $8 million at the box office so far.
While most of this comes from US audiences, reports indicate that UK audiences were not interested, with some cinemas only selling a single ticket during the opening weekend.
At the premiere of Melania, Ratner spoke to reporters on the red carpet, sharing his thoughts about meeting the First Lady. “I didn’t know her, but when I met her I was totally taken,” Ratner remarked, offering a glimpse into his personal reaction to the subject of his documentary.