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Figures from across the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

This is a vile and despicable comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."

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

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."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly dared members in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation following the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element 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 once shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.