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Personalities from across the partisan divide and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder 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 reaction to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.

“What a appalling and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

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

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation after the killing of another individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, 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 session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.