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Individuals from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks following 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 posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a appalling and vile statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

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

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation following the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.