Melania’s New Doc Gets Roasted: Why Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach Rennae Stubbs Is Having a Field Day
If you thought the drama surrounding the Trump family would quiet down outside the political spectrum, Rennae Stubbs is making you think again. The latest buzz isn’t about a rally or a court case, but a movie. Specifically, a documentary titled Melania.
It was supposed to be the project that reshaped the public image of the former First Lady, offering a soft, humanizing look at her life. Instead, it has turned into a lightning rod for criticism, with everyone from movie critics to sports legends weighing in.
And when we say weighing in, we mean they are holding nothing back. The film, directed by Brett Ratner, premiered with all the glitz and glam you’d expect at the newly renamed Trump Kennedy Center. But once the credits rolled and the general public got a look, the narrative shifted from “must-see” to “what was that?”
The Premiere That Tried Too Hard
Let’s set the scene. It’s late January 2026. The red carpet is rolled out. Donald Trump is there, hyping the film as “essential viewing.” You’ve got a strange mix of high-profile guests ranging from Dr. Phil McGraw to Nicki Minaj and Eric Adams. It has all the ingredients of a major blockbuster event.
The documentary itself focuses on a very specific 20-day window leading up to Donald Trump’s second inauguration. The goal was pretty transparent: show the “real” Melania. Produced through her own company, Muse Films, it was clearly an attempt to take control of her narrative. But audiences immediately smelled a PR stunt disguised as cinema.
Despite the heavy promotion, the reviews have been brutal. We aren’t just talking “mixed” reviews here. We are talking about a Rotten Tomatoes score that plummeted to a shocking 8%. Critics called it shallow, propagandistic, and frankly, a bit boring.
Rennae Stubbs Unloads on the Film
While professional film critics used big words to tear the movie apart, the most biting commentary came from the sports world. Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs decided to go completely unfiltered, and her reaction has been making waves across social media.
Stubbs didn’t just critique the cinematography; she went after the entire premise. For Stubbs, the documentary wasn’t just a bad movie; it was a transparent attempt to cash in. She publicly mocked the film’s “success,” pointing out the massive disconnect between the box office numbers and the actual quality of the film.
When news broke that the film earned around $7 million in its opening weekend, Stubbs was quick to burst that bubble. She highlighted the sheer absurdity of the situation, referring to Melania in derogatory terms that we probably shouldn’t repeat here, but suffice it to say, she wasn’t impressed. Stubbs noted that for a project that reportedly cost $40 million to license, a $7 million opening isn’t exactly a victory lap—it’s a financial disaster.
The commentary from Stubbs struck a nerve because it voiced what so many people were thinking: Why does this movie exist, and who is it really for?
The $40 Million Question
One of the biggest sticking points for critics like Stubbs is the money. Reports indicate that the documentary was licensed for a staggering $40 million. This has fueled accusations that the project is less about art and more about monetizing the presidency.
It fits a pattern we’ve seen for years. The Trump family has always been savvy about using media to shape perception. But this time, the gap between the investment and the reception is glaring. When you have figures like Stubbs pointing out the financial failures, it makes it hard to spin the narrative back to “success.”
A Box Office Paradox
Here is the weird part: despite the 8% rating and the roasting from Stubbs and others, people did go see it. Earning $7 million isn’t nothing. It surpassed initial box office expectations, which proves that the Trump brand still puts butts in seats, regardless of the product’s quality.
However, immediate financial intake doesn’t equal long-term success. The polarized reaction suggests that while supporters showed up on day one, the negative word-of-mouth—fueled by viral takedowns from people like Stubbs—might kill any legs this film had.
FAQ SECTION
Q: What happened in the Melania Trump documentary release?
A: The film premiered in January 2026, earning $7 million in its opening weekend but facing widespread criticism.
Q: Who is involved?
A: Melania Trump, Donald Trump, director Brett Ratner, and several celebrity guests at the premiere.
Q: Why is this news important?
A: It reflects the intersection of politics, celebrity culture, and media influence, while sparking debate about authenticity and propaganda.
Q: What are the next steps?
A: Future projects from Muse Films remain uncertain, and public reaction will likely shape Melania’s next moves.
What This Means for Melania
So, where does she go from here? This was supposed to be her big re-entry into the spotlight. Muse Films was meant to be her vehicle for independence. Instead, the film’s reception has cast a shadow over her rebranding efforts.
The controversy highlights a bigger issue in our current culture: the blurring lines between governance, celebrity, and entertainment. When political figures try to pivot to entertainment, the audience is naturally skeptical. And when the product feels inauthentic, the backlash is swift.
Whether Melania retreats back to privacy or doubles down with another project remains to be seen. But one thing is for certain: if she releases another film, Rennae Stubbs will probably be watching—and she definitely won’t be staying silent.
