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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 statements in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation after the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.