Melania Trump Documentary Faces Crew Revolt Over Credits
Two-thirds of the production team behind Melania Trump's new documentary have reportedly requested their names be removed from the film's credits, according to a revealing new report. The crew members, described as "alarmed" by their association with the project, have expressed significant discomfort with both the documentary's content and its controversial director.
Controversial Production Details Emerge
The Amazon-funded documentary, simply titled Melania, follows the First Lady during the twenty days leading up to her husband's 2025 presidential inauguration. The project has drawn particular attention due to its director, Brett Ratner, who returned from Hollywood exile to helm the film despite facing multiple public allegations of sexual harassment and assault in 2017, which he has consistently denied.
According to sources speaking anonymously to Rolling Stone, the majority of the New York-based crew specifically asked to be omitted from the credits. One credited individual expressed regret about their involvement, stating: "I'm much more alarmed now than I was a year ago."
Ratner's Chaotic Set Conditions Described
Multiple crew members reported that the most difficult aspect of working on the First Lady's Amazon MGM documentary wasn't political content or presidential involvement, but rather the experience of sharing a set with Ratner. Insiders described the production environment as chaotic and disorganized, with crew members frequently working extended hours without proper meal breaks.
"I feel a little bit uncomfortable with the propaganda element of this," a production team member told Rolling Stone. "But Brett Ratner was the worst part of working on this project." Additional complaints included allegations that Ratner left trash scattered throughout the set and displayed dismissive behavior toward employees.
One crew member noted: "There was more talk about Brett being slimy than there was about Melania." This criticism comes despite Ratner being slated to direct a new installment in the Rush Hour franchise at the president's personal request.
First Lady's On-Set Demeanor Contrasts With Director's
While Ratner reportedly made negative impressions on set, crew members described Melania Trump herself as "boring" and "nice" during filming. This contrast highlights the complex dynamics at play during the documentary's production, where concerns about the director's behavior apparently overshadowed any political considerations about the subject matter.
Financial Concerns and Crew Reactions
Amazon reportedly invested approximately $75 million to acquire and promote the documentary, yet CNN polling analyst Harry Enten estimates the film will earn only between $1 million and $5 million during its opening weekend. This potential financial disappointment has resonated with some crew members, with one telling Rolling Stone: "Unfortunately, if it does flop, I would really feel great about it."
An Amazon spokesperson defended the project, telling Rolling Stone: "We licensed the film for one reason and one reason only – because we think customers are going to love it." The company did not immediately respond to additional requests for comment, nor did the White House return requests regarding the crew's concerns.
Premiere and Release Schedule
Following a private White House screening earlier this week, Melania is scheduled to premiere at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Thursday before opening in theaters worldwide on Friday. The documentary marks Ratner's first directorial project since 2014's Hercules, making its production circumstances and crew reactions particularly noteworthy in entertainment industry circles.
The situation raises questions about ethical considerations in documentary filmmaking, crew rights in controversial productions, and the challenges of separating artistic projects from the personal histories of those involved in their creation.
