Carey, 44, who has been living apart from Cannon for months, has been crying on his shoulders, reported the New York Post.
"They speak frequently," a source said.
Ratner directed a number of Carey's music videos from her earlier albums, including 'Heartbreaker' and 'We Belong Together' and have been close friends.
Carey posted photos of Ratner on vacation in Aspen with her in December, and in July, Carey went with Ratner to the premiere of 'Hercules', which he directed.