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Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted 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

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a vile and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality 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, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation following the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly 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 anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.