Rob and Michele Reiner would want everyone to have “empathy” and “forgiveness” for their son, Nick Reiner. At least that is what one of their friends claims.
As we’ve been covering, the couple was found brutally murdered on Sunday at their Brentwood home. Rob and Michele’s throats were reportedly slit, and they were stabbed with a knife. TMZ insiders claimed their bodies looked as if they’d been “butchered” by a “mad man.” And all that was done allegedly by their own child. Absolutely horrifying. The 32-year-old, who has battled mental health issues and drug addiction for many years, has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with their deaths.
Related: How Rob’s Son Is Doing In Jail As He Faces Two First Degree Murder Charges
Despite his alleged horrific crimes, however, Douglas Shaffer — who produced the 2015 movie Being Charlie, co-written by Nick and directed by Rob — thinks the parents would want people to eventually forgive their son. Yes, really. Their pal told People on Friday that “there’s lots and lots of healing that needs to be done” after the tragedy, adding:
“I think they would probably want people to feel empathy towards Nick’s struggles. And perhaps forgiveness down the road.”
Hmm. It may take friends and family a long time to get to that place, though, especially Nick’s three siblings: Romy, Jake, and Tracy. That is, if they ever can reach that point. No one would blame them if they never do. Douglas went on to remember Rob as “a proud father” and “a loving father, along with Michele — she was a loving mother.” The producer shared that “Nick had a good support system, as far as I knew,” while struggling with his mental health and drug addiction.
That said, the When Harry Met Sally director supposedly had a tough time with it. Douglas recalled that Rob “struggled to understand” Nick’s substance abuse issues:
“I think he was trying to find the best way to help his son. He wasn’t sure if he should be more demanding on [things like] getting into rehab. [Rob] took more of a loving approach.”
As we previously reported, Nick entered into rehab for the first time at 15 years old and had been in and out of treatment over 18 times by the age of 22. A source told People that Rob and Michele “tried so hard already for years” to help him, but he “didn’t take the help seriously.” Oof. Reflecting on the “absolute Hollywood tragedy,” Douglas concluded:
“Rob just wanted Nick to be safe. He just wanted him to be safe and happy. … It’s just a shame, because all he wanted was the best for Nick.”
It really is such a shame. What are your thoughts, Perezcious readers? Do you agree with Douglas? Let us know in the comments (below).
For resources on mental health, visit https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing substance abuse, help is available. Consider checking out the resources SAMHSA provides at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline or check out StartYourRecovery.org.
[Image via Michele Reiner/Instagram, MEGA/WENN]
The post Rob & Michele Reiner's Pal Thinks Couple Would Want Everyone To Forgive & Have 'Empathy' For Son Nick After Allegedly Murdering Them appeared first on Perez Hilton.