Photo Credit: Associated Press
Michelle Obama has shared that she and former President Barack Obama were scheduled to meet Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, on the same day the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home.
The former first lady spoke about the loss during an appearance on _Jimmy Kimmel Live_ on Monday, December 15, saying the couple had been
longtime friends. “We’ve known them for many, many years, and we were supposed to be seeing them that night, last night,” she said.
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead at their Brentwood residence on Sunday, December 14. Authorities later arrested their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, in connection with their deaths. He remains in custody without bail. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call for medical assistance at the home around 3:30 p.m., and Nick Reiner was taken into custody several hours later near the University of Southern California.
Following news of the deaths, Barack Obama released a statement expressing condolences. “Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele,” he wrote. He said that beyond Reiner’s body of work in film and television, he was guided by a strong belief in human goodness and consistently worked to turn that belief into meaningful action. He added that Reiner and his wife led lives driven by purpose and would be remembered for the principles they stood for and the many people they influenced.
During her television appearance, Michelle Obama also addressed comments made by President Donald Trump on social media regarding Reiner. “Let me just say this — 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.”
She went on to say that the couple were deeply passionate individuals at a time when courage is often lacking, and that they consistently backed their beliefs with action. She noted that they were committed to their family, their country, and to principles of fairness and equity, adding that her remarks were grounded in personal knowledge of who they were.
