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Individuals from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican 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 alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past 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 previously recounted the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.