The undated photo shows Ratner posing with Jean-Luc Brunel, a French modeling agent and longtime associate of Epstein. Brunel is shirtless in the image. No details were provided about when or where the photo was taken, and no additional context was included.
Brunel died by suicide in 2022 while in a French jail. He was facing charges related to the rape of a minor and accusations of supplying minors to Epstein.
The newly released Epstein files contain photographs and references to many high-profile figures. Among those named or pictured are former U.S. President Bill Clinton, actors Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker, and music stars Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross.
Ratner is currently directing a new documentary titled Melania, which focuses on former First Lady Melania Trump. The film documents the 20 days leading up to her return to the White House following President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. A trailer for the documentary was released by Fox News on December 17, and the project is scheduled to premiere on January 30.
At the same time, Ratner is set to return to the Rush Hour franchise. Paramount is developing Rush Hour 4, with Ratner expected to direct and Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker attached to reprise their roles, according to industry reports.
Ratner’s career slowed significantly after 2017, when six women accused him of sexual misconduct during the height of the #MeToo movement. The accusations included claims from actresses Olivia Munn and Natasha Henstridge. Ratner denied the allegations, and no criminal charges were filed. Warner Bros. ended its relationship with him later that year, and Rush Hour 4 was put on hold.
Melania marks Ratner’s first directing project since the 2014 action film Hercules, bringing him back into the spotlight after several years away from major Hollywood productions.
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