Amazon's $75 Million Melania Trump Documentary Sparks Controversy

• Amazon MGM Studios invested $40 million to license the "Melania" documentary and an associated docuseries, plus $35 million in marketing, totaling $75 million.
• The film premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington amidst national unrest and global tensions, with cabinet members attending, raising questions about optics.
• Melania Trump served as a paid executive producer while First Lady, a move that breaks historical precedent for monetizing the role while in office.
• Director Brett Ratner's involvement is controversial due to past sexual misconduct allegations and a reportedly disorderly production environment.
• Despite massive spending and a wide theatrical release, industry analysts predict modest box office returns, with some screenings showing low ticket sales.

Why It Matters: Amazon's $75 million Melania Trump documentary faces controversy over its cost, timing, and ethical concerns.