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Individuals from both sides of the partisan aisle and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health within families.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation following the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.