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Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was established at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a disgusting and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his party to justify the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

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

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot 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, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.