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Personalities from across the political divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a vile and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. She pointed to previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health within families.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously 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, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.