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Individuals from across the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

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

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.