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Personalities from both sides of the political divide and the entertainment world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

This is a appalling and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. She referenced previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

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

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow Republican 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 justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of a different individual.

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 once recounted the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.