Date: December 21, 2025
By: theworldexclusive.com News Desk
In an unexpected twist to the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein revelations, embattled Hollywood director Brett Ratner — best known for the Rush Hour franchise and currently directing a high-profile documentary on First Lady Melania Trump — has been identified in newly released U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) files connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
The shocking development comes as the DOJ made public another tranche of previously sealed documents tied to the notorious financier’s sex trafficking network. A photo within the release reportedly shows Ratner with Jean-Luc Brunel, the late French model scout accused of supplying underage girls to Epstein and others.
High-Profile Names Surface in Files
Ratner appears among dozens of well-known figures whose names, photos, or connections appear in the files. Others identified in the same release include:
- Former President Bill Clinton
- Prince Andrew
- Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger
- Music icon Michael Jackson
Importantly, government officials stress that inclusion in these files does not constitute evidence of criminal conduct — merely that names or images surfaced among the trove of documents.
Backlash Over Ratner’s Involvement
The revelation comes while Ratner is planning his first major project in years: a documentary about First Lady Melania Trump, scheduled for a limited theatrical release in January 2026 before streaming on Amazon.
Ratner’s appearance in the files has reignited controversy due to his history of sexual misconduct allegations. Multiple women accused the director of sexual harassment, assault, and rape between 2017 and 2018, allegations that contributed to his retreat from mainstream Hollywood.
Critics are now questioning the choice to place him at the helm of a documentary focused on one of the most prominent women in American politics. Some commentators have suggested the timing of the DOJ document release may impact public perception of both Ratner and the Melania project.
Wider Epstein Files Release Sparks Political Firestorm
Ratner’s inclusion is just one flashpoint in the broader fallout from the latest Epstein files. Earlier today, reports confirmed that at least 16 Epstein-related documents mysteriously disappeared from the DOJ’s public site shortly after their release — including materials that reportedly featured former President Donald Trump alongside Epstein, Melania Trump, and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Lawmakers and transparency advocates are condemning the removals, calling for greater accountability and a full, unredacted release of the files.
No Charges — But Public Curiosity Intensifies
Despite the widespread attention, legal authorities maintain that figures appearing in the files — whether politicians, entertainers, or directors — are not accused of involvement in Epstein’s crimes unless supported by separate evidence.
As the Melania documentary prepares for release and the Epstein document saga continues to unfold, this latest development adds a combustible mix of Hollywood controversy and political intrigue to what was already one of the most scrutinized stories of the year.