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Melania Trump’s movie pulled from South African cinemas
The planned South African cinema release of Melania, a documentary centred on Melania Trump, has been quietly cancelled after public objections and growing political tension between the United States and South Africa.
Although the film had reportedly met local regulatory requirements, distributors ultimately decided to withdraw it, citing concerns about how it would be received in the current climate.
The documentary had been scheduled to screen at major cinema chains including Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro, as well as select independent theatres.
However, according to a report by Meidas News, members of the public raised objections directly with local distributor Filmfinity, questioning whether the film could realistically be presented as politically neutral given its close association with US President Donald Trump.
Sources close to the matter told the publication that the sensitivity surrounding the Trump administration’s stance on South Africa played a key role in the decision.
There were also concerns about how audiences might interpret the documentary without sufficient contextual framing, particularly at a time when relations between the two countries remain strained.
Adding to the controversy is the film’s director, Brett Ratner, who faced multiple sexual misconduct allegations in 2017.
Following the accusations, Warner Bros severed ties with the filmmaker, a development that resurfaced in public discussions around the documentary’s release.
Filmfinity has since confirmed that Melania will not be screened in South African cinemas.
The decision was welcomed by many social media users, with some celebrating the withdrawal and others mocking the documentary’s reported poor ticket sales internationally.
The cancellation comes against the backdrop of worsening diplomatic relations between South Africa and the Trump administration.
Since returning to office as the 47th president of the United States, Trump has accused the South African government of committing genocide against Afrikaners, whom he labelled as refugees after signing an executive order in February 2025.
He has also alleged that the government seized farmers’ land.
Tensions escalated further when Trump imposed a 30% tariff on South African goods in August 2025 and threatened additional economic measures.
He also demanded that South Africa withdraw its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, a move the government has refused to make.
