Melania Trump's documentary bombs in UK, sells only 1 ticket at London premiere

“Melania,” a documentary chronicling the US First Lady’s life in the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, has struggled to attract audiences in the UK.

Ahead of its London premiere on Friday, only one ticket has been sold for the 3.10 pm screening at a theatre in Islington. Two tickets have been sold for the second show of the day at 6 pm.

Meanwhile, all seats remained unsold for the 28 scheduled screenings at Vue theatres across London.

Speaking to the Telegraph newspaper, Vue CEO Tim Richards said he had received numerous emails criticising his theatre chain for screening the film.

“Regardless of how we feel about the movie, if it is approved by the British Board of Film Classification, we show it. We do not play judge and jury to censor movies," he said.

The documentary is set for a global release on Friday and had its first full screening for the President, First Lady, and close friends at a private screening in the White House on January 24.

The film offers behind-the-scenes access to the First Lady, who has largely maintained a low public profile during her husband’s second term.

The trailer opens on Inauguration Day 2025, showcasing her fashion choices and role as an adviser to the president, including urging him to emphasise “peacemaker and unifier” in his inaugural address.

Marc Beckman, Melania Trump’s adviser and the film’s producer, oversaw the USD 40 million Amazon MGM Studios deal, which includes a follow-up documentary series focusing on some of the First Lady’s priorities, such as children in foster care.

Beckman emphasised that the documentary is “not a political film”, noting that the first lady herself directed much of the creative vision.

The documentary highlights Melania Trump’s diplomatic engagements, Secret Service operations, and personal moments, as well as glimpses of the President’s humour.

Ahead of the public release, the President and First Lady are scheduled to attend a premiere at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday. A day ago, Melania Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange to promote the film.

In the US, the movie has been heavily promoted through TV spots, billboards, and a Las Vegas immersive experience.

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