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

A Controversial Online Post

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a sick man."

Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

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

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

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