'Melania' Documentary Exceeds Expectations at Box Office; Capgemini Sells ICE Tech Unit Amid Immigration Concerns
A documentary about former First Lady Melania Trump, titled "Melania," debuted with a better-than-expected $7 million in ticket sales, while French company Capgemini announced the sale of its subsidiary providing technology services to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The "Melania" documentary's success comes as a surprise, considering Amazon MGM Studios invested $75 million in rights and marketing, according to Fortune. Capgemini's decision follows global scrutiny of ICE's tactics during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
The release of "Melania" was unique, with Amazon MGM Studios paying $40 million for the rights and an additional $35 million for marketing, making it the most expensive documentary ever made, according to Fortune. Directed by Brett Ratner, who had been largely absent from Hollywood since 2017, the film opened in 1,778 theaters during Donald Trump's turbulent second term. Variety reported that older white women primarily drove the box office turnout for the film, which shadows the former First Lady in the 20 days before her husband's second presidential inauguration.
While the $7 million debut would be considered a flop for most films with such high costs, it is a success by documentary standards, according to Fortune. It marks the best opening weekend for a documentary, excluding concert films, in 14 years.
Meanwhile, Capgemini's decision to sell its ICE technology services unit came amid pressure from the French government to be more transparent about its dealings with the agency, Fortune reported. Concerns arose in France and other countries regarding ICE agents' tactics in Minneapolis, including fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens. Capgemini stated it would immediately begin the process of selling off its subsidiary, Capgemini Government Solutions, according to Fortune.
In related news, five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, returned to Minnesota after being detained by immigration officers and held at an ICE facility in Texas, Fortune reported. Their release followed a judge's order. Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro confirmed their return to Minnesota, with his spokesperson, Katherine Schneider, stating that Castro picked them up from Dilley on Saturday night and escorted them home on Sunday. The pair had been detained in a Minneapolis suburb on January 20. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement regarding the situation, according to Fortune.
In other international news, Caracas, Venezuela, is settling into an uneasy normal one month after U.S. forces seized Nicolás Maduro, according to NPR. Major changes have occurred, but questions remain about the long-term impact.
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