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Individuals from both sides of the political divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a appalling and vile comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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 commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.