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

A Controversial Social Media Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

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

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally after the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.