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Figures from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

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

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a appalling and despicable statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.