Fact Check

Is Photo of Melania Trump with Porn Star Ron Jeremy Real?

Before becoming first lady, Melania Trump was a model who did pose for some risque photo shoots.

Published Dec. 20, 2019

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 06:  U.S. first lady Melania Trump during her visit at Children’s National Hospital December 6, 2019 in Washington, DC. The first lady participated in an annual tradition to bring joy to the patients at the hospital for the holiday season.  (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Image Via Getty Images
Claim:
A photograph shows Melania Trump with porn star Ron Jeremy.

A photograph supposedly showing first lady Melania Trump with porn star Ron Jeremy is frequently shared on social media:

Before becoming first lady, Melania Trump had a career as a model and occasionally did pose for risque spreads. This fact may have led some viewers to believe that the above-displayed image was authentic. But that isn't the case. This is not a genuine photograph of the first lady with Jeremy but rather a doctored image created by digitally manipulating an image of Jeremy and actress Traci Bingham.

Here's a look at the original photograph (left) and the doctored image (right):

The genuine photograph of Ron Jeremy and Traci Bingham was taken in January 2004. It is available via Getty Images with the following caption:

LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 13: "The Surreal Life's" Ron Jeremy (L) and Traci Bingham pose at The WB Television Network's All-Star Winter TCA Party at the Annex at Hollywood and Highland on January 13, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Dan Evon is a former writer for Snopes.