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Individuals from across the partisan aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail was set 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 despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. She referenced prior comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element 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 previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.