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Individuals from across the political aisle and the Hollywood industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a disgusting and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

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

Rebuke from Within Party

Some Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise 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 expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.