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Personalities from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's words was swift and harsh.

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

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

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

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

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

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation following the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer 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 story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.