Brett Ratner's Epstein files excuse under serious scrutiny

Brett Ratner, director of "Melania," called speculation over an Epstein photo unearthed in the Department of Justice data dump "crazy" and "horrible." His documentary enjoyed its biggest opening in 14 years, but the files released in the DOJ dump brought an embarrassing image from his past back into view.

Ratner issued a statement that the photos were "from over 20 years ago, from an event I attended with my then-fiancée, who I’m pictured with. I did not know Jeffrey Epstein and do not recall having any subsequent contact with him." Forensic analysis using an AI tool dated the pictures closer to ten years old, not more than 20 — a distinction that matters because Epstein was a high-profile registered sex offender by 2008.

When pressed about the "then-fiancée," Ratner’s assistant said the woman was not Rebecca Gayheart and not Beth Whitson, then declined to identify anyone further.

United States

brett ratner, jeffrey epstein, doj data, melania, documentary opening, forensic analysis, ai analysis, rebecca gayheart, beth whitson, photo dating