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Personalities from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

Some Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

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

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.