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Personalities from across the partisan aisle and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a disgusting and despicable comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

A number of GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

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