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Individuals from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's words was swift and harsh.

This is a vile and vile statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation following the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.