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Individuals from across the political aisle and the Hollywood world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of renowned 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 deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

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

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

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

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.