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Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment world are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

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

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

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

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently 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 dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.