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Personalities from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a disgusting and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy 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 crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of another individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.