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Personalities from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

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

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the statements.

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 "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.