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Individuals from across the partisan divide and the entertainment world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

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

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

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the remarks. She pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a sick man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is 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. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

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

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.