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Figures from across the political divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

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

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

Some GOP lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken 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 if Trump return to power.

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

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally after the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, 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 session, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.