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Individuals from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a vile and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

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

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.