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Personalities from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood industry are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.