Michelle Obama revealed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” that she and former President Barack Obama were supposed to see longtime friends Rob and Michele Reiner on Sunday night, only to learn hours earlier that the couple had been found dead in their Los Angeles home.
“We’ve known them for many, many years and were supposed to be seeing them that night — last night,” Obama told host Jimmy Kimmel during her appearance on Monday. “And we got the news.”
Rob and Michele Reiner were discovered dead inside their Brentwood home on Sunday afternoon at approximately 3:40 p.m. Authorities have said the couple appeared to have been stabbed to death. On Monday, their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was booked on suspicion of murder. The investigation remains ongoing.
News of the deaths sent shockwaves through Hollywood and political circles alike. Rob Reiner, the acclaimed filmmaker behind classics such as “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “Stand By Me,” was also known in recent years for his outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump. Michele Reiner was a respected photographer and producer who frequently collaborated with her husband.
Amid the widespread expressions of grief, Trump sparked controversy by posting on Truth Social that Rob Reiner had died “due to the anger he caused others” through what he called “TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.” The post drew swift condemnation from figures across the political spectrum, who called it cruel and inappropriate given the circumstances.
Without naming Trump directly, Michelle Obama appeared to respond to the remarks during her interview. “Unlike some people, Rob and Michele Reiner are some of the most decent, courageous people you ever want to know,” she said. “They are not deranged or crazed. What they have always been are passionate people.”
Obama went on to praise the couple for standing up for their values. “In a time when there’s not a lot of courage going on, they were the kind of people who were ready to put their actions behind what they cared about,” she said, adding that they cared deeply about their family, fairness, equity, and the country.
Earlier in the episode, Kimmel also condemned Trump’s comments, calling them “hateful and vile.” He said he initially believed the post was fake, before realizing it was genuine. “But nothing is ever too much for him,” Kimmel added.
