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Personalities from both sides of the political aisle and the Hollywood industry are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling 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".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

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

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

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation after the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.