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Individuals from across the political divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image 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" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.