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Figures from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared members in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image 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 "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.