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Personalities from across the political aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared others in his political party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump be reelected 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."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured 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 request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.