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Individuals from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since announced the detention of the couple's 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 Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's post was swift and harsh.

This is a appalling and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

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

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot 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" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.