Inside Melania Trump’s documentary disaster as crew speak out about on-set abuse

Melania Trump’s Amazon documentary faces backlash as crew reveal meal bans, chaos and almost empty theatres

Melania Trump’s new Amazon Prime documentary is sparking controversy before its official release after crew members detailed harsh and chaotic working conditions on set. The self-titled film, directed by Brett Ratner and reported to have cost $40 million, follows the former First Lady in the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration. According to multiple insiders, production was disorganised, exhausting and at times humiliating for those involved

One crew member claimed that staff were not allowed to take breaks for meals and could not bring food onto the set, while Ratner, the director, freely ate on set, reportedly licking his fingers in front of exhausted employees. “Brett, unknowingly or maliciously, got his own food, went up there, was just eating it and just licking his fingers in grubbiest way possible,” the source told Rolling Stone.

The documentary was filmed across multiple locations, including Florida, Washington, D.C. and New York, with three separate production crews working independently. Despite the heavy workload, the First Lady herself was described as “totally nice” and polite on set, though the contrast with Ratner’s behaviour highlighted the tension behind the scenes.

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Adding to the humiliation, early reports suggest that theatre attendance has been almost non-existent, with only a handful of tickets sold in key cities. One insider said that even in Palm Beach, a known Trump stronghold, cinemas were largely empty. Roughly two-thirds of the New York crew requested not to be credited, and several others expressed regret for associating with the project.

The backlash comes amid mounting criticism of Ratner, who returned to filmmaking after years of exile following sexual harassment allegations. Social media users and entertainment commentators have been quick to ridicule the film, labelling it a “propaganda piece” and questioning Amazon’s judgment in backing the controversial project.

Melania, meanwhile, publicly expressed that she was “deeply humbled” by the documentary, though insiders suggest the project has done little to improve her public image. With chaotic production, low attendance, and mounting criticism, the documentary’s release may become one of the most talked-about misfires in recent celebrity filmmaking history.