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Figures from across the political divide and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

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

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation after the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.