Michelle Obama has expressed her sorrow regarding Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, following their tragic deaths on Sunday, December 14. The couple, known for their respective contributions to film and photography, were discovered deceased in their Los Angeles residence. Emergency services were alerted at 3:38pm (PST) for medical assistance.
The Los Angeles Police Department has categorized the incident as an ‘apparent homicide’. On the same day, their son, Nick Reiner, was taken into custody and charged with murder. The news has prompted an outpouring of tributes from many celebrities, including Jamie Lee Curtis and Zooey Deschanel. Former President Barack Obama also shared his thoughts on X, emphasizing the couple’s enduring legacy and the inspiration they provided to many.
While guesting on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Monday, December 15, Michelle Obama discussed her latest book, “The Look,” and revealed that she and Barack had plans to meet with Rob and Michele on the evening of their deaths.
Reflecting on her close friends, Michelle Obama stated, “We’ve known them for many, many, years and we were supposed to be seeing them that night, last night.”
Following the couple’s death, former President Donald Trump posted a controversial message on Truth Social, accusing Rob of having ‘TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME’ and referring to him as a ‘once very talented movie director’.
Michelle Obama indirectly addressed Trump’s comments, praising the Reiners as “some of the most decent, courageous people you’d ever want to know” and countering the idea that they were deranged.
She continued, “They were the kind of people who were ready to put their actions behind what they cared about. And they cared about their family.”
“They cared about this country. And they cared about fairness and equity. And that is the truth. I do know them.”
Others, like actor Whoopi Goldberg, also criticized Trump’s remarks, questioning his lack of shame and compassion. Goldberg noted, “I don’t understand the man in the White House. He spoke at length about Charlie Kirk and about caring, and then this is what he puts out.”
Jimmy Kimmel, whose show Michelle appeared on, also condemned Trump’s response, highlighting the need for “compassion and leadership” during such times, qualities he felt were absent in Trump’s statement.
In response to the backlash, Trump reiterated his stance, stating he “wasn’t a fan” of Reiner and accused him of being “a deranged person as far as Trump is concerned.”