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Figures from both sides of the political divide and the entertainment world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". The 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".

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 Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a vile and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

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

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

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

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph 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 "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.