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Individuals from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism 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 criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.