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Personalities from across the political aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's words was immediate and scathing.

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

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

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence 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, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

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