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Figures from across the political aisle and the Hollywood industry are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a vile and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation after the killing of a different political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.