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Figures from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition 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 "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a vile and vile statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. 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 said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the shooting of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.