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Individuals from across the political divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's words was immediate and harsh.

“What a appalling and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly dared others in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

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

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.