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

A Controversial Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". The 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, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a vile and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

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

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation following the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.