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Figures from across the political divide and the Hollywood industry are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he asserted 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".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a vile and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

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

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.