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Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's words was swift and scathing.

This is a vile and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Party

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally after the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

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