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Individuals from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing.

“What a vile and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared others in his party to justify the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.