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Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

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

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a appalling and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. She referenced previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

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

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned 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 risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

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

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.