Former US President Donald Trump has provoked widespread condemnation after posting what critics call a "disgusting" and "sick" statement about the murdered film director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A 'Tragic Incident' and a Political Firestorm
Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found dead from stab wounds inside their Brentwood, Los Angeles home on Sunday. Their son, Nick Reiner, 32, was subsequently arrested and booked on murder charges. He remains in custody without bail, with the case due to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney on Tuesday.
In response to the news, Trump took to his Truth Social platform. He described Reiner as a "once very talented movie director and comedy star" who was "tortured and struggling." The former president then claimed the couple died "reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME."
He added that Reiner was "known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession" with him, concluding with, "May Rob and Michele rest in peace."
Celebrities and Politicians Unite in Condemnation
The post triggered an immediate and bipartisan backlash. Actor Patrick Schwarzenegger labelled it a "disgusting and vile statement" on X. California Governor Gavin Newsom simply stated, "This is a sick man."
Democratic Representative Zoe Lofgren called the comments "a new low for this petty, hateful man." In a rare moment of cross-party criticism, Republican House member Thomas Massie said, "Regardless of how you felt about Rob Reiner, this is inappropriate and disrespectful discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered."
Talk show host Whoopi Goldberg questioned Trump's character, asking, "Have you no shame? No shame at all? Can you get any lower?"
A Family Tragedy Unfolds
The investigation into the deaths is being handled by the LAPD's robbery and homicide division. Police Chief Jim McDonnell described it as "a very tragic incident." Reports indicate Nick Reiner caused a disturbance at a party hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien on Saturday night, the evening before the killings, embarrassing his parents and making other guests uncomfortable.
Nick Reiner has a publicly documented history of struggles with heroin addiction and homelessness. He and his father explored their difficult relationship in the 2016 film Being Charlie, which they co-wrote. Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene urged for empathy, stating, "This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies."
Rob Reiner was a celebrated director of classics like This Is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride, and A Few Good Men. He was also a prominent liberal activist. His wife, Michele, was a former photographer who notably took the portrait used on the cover of Donald Trump's book Trump: The Art of the Deal.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world and politics. Former President Barack Obama said he and Michelle were "heartbroken." Co-stars and friends like Harry Shearer and Christopher Guest expressed profound shock and sadness at the "unspeakable" loss.
