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Personalities from both sides of the partisan aisle and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a vile and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this view, 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 brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.