Photos found in Epstein files: Director Ratner seen embracing young woman

Director Brett Ratner, who recently made a new documentary on US First Lady Melania Trump, has been seen embracing a young woman in photographs released from the Epstein files.

The images were published on Friday by the US Department of Justice as part of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

In the photos, Ratner, known for directing the Rush Hour series and X-Men: The Last Stand, is seen sitting on a sofa alongside the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and two women. The identities of the women have not been disclosed.

It is not clear when the photos were taken, but they are believed to have been shot at the same location as images released last December showing Ratner, Epstein and late French modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel together.

No indication of criminal activity was found in the documents. The BBC contacted Ratner’s representative for comment.

The photos and documents released on Friday are part of millions of files related to Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Thumbnail images show Ratner, Epstein and Brunel spending time comfortably and smiling with various women, whose identities remain undisclosed.

The law under which the files were released requires information to be withheld to protect victims and ongoing investigations. However, a lawyer representing multiple victims claimed that the identities of several living victims were revealed in the release.

The release of the files coincided with the premiere of the documentary Melania: 20 Days to History, which depicts behind-the-scenes moments from the First Lady’s life ahead of her husband’s inauguration in January 2025.

The documentary has received negative reactions from critics and political analysts. It faced criticism even before its theatrical release over its links to and funding connected with the Trump administration.

This marks Ratner’s first project since sexual misconduct allegations emerged against him during the #MeToo movement in 2017, allegations he has consistently denied.

The newly released files also reveal fresh details about Epstein’s connections with influential figures, including Elon Musk, Lord Peter Mandelson, Bill Gates and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Some images include the former Duke of York, who lost his royal titles due to his association with Epstein. In the photos, he is seen kneeling while leaning against a woman.

Brunel, who co-founded MC2 Model Management in the United States with Epstein’s funding and Karin Models in France in 1977, was found dead in a Paris prison in 2022. Authorities believe he died by suicide.

Brunel was under investigation on suspicion of raping minors and sex trafficking, with prosecutors believing he was involved in recruiting and transporting young women for Epstein.