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Personalities from both sides of the political divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Mirroring 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 saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

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

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

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