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Individuals from across the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a vile and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Echoing this view, 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 demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.