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Figures from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his political party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.