The former first lady also paid tribute to “some of the most decent, courageous people you ever want to know.”

Michelle and Barack Obama had plans with Rob and Michele Reiner the night of their deaths

The former first lady also paid tribute to "some of the most decent, courageous people you ever want to know."

By Mekishana Pierre

Mekishana Pierre

Mekishana Pierre is a news writer at **. She has been working at EW since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on *Entertainment Tonight* and Popsugar.

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December 16, 2025 12:08 p.m. ET

Michelle and Barack Obama; Michele and Rob Reiner. Credit:

Scott Olson/Getty; Mark Von Holden/Variety via Getty

Michelle Obama says that she and her husband, former President Barack Obama, had plans to meet with Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner on the night of their murders.

During a visit to *Jimmy Kimmel Live* Monday night, Michelle told host Jimmy Kimmel that she and Barack were "supposed to be seeing them that night — last night — and we got the news."

"Rob and Michele Reiner are some of the most decent, courageous people you ever want to know," she added, explaining that she and Barack had been friends with the couple for "many years" and using the platform to pay tribute to the late filmmaker and his photographer wife.

Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.

Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage

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Reiner was a well-known Democratic donor and hands-on political activist, passionately championing causes including same-sex marriage and early childhood education. He was also a sharp critic of President Donald Trump, having made headlines in September after saying on CNN that the president was threatening to wipe out "our 250 years of American democracy."

"They are not deranged or crazed," Michelle added, alluding to the highly controversial comments from Trump regarding Reiner's tragic death. "What they have always been are passionate people when there's not a lot of courage going on."

Rob and Michele were found dead at their Brentwood, Calif., home on Sunday afternoon in what has been determined to be a double homicide. The night before, the couple attended a holiday party hosted by Conan O'Brien, where Rob reportedly got into a "loud" argument with their son, Nick Reiner.

According to PEOPLE, a source recalled Nick, 32, was "freaking everyone out, acting crazy, kept asking people if they were famous." Rob and Michele reportedly left the party after the argument.

Jimmy Kimmel slams Donald Trump's 'hateful and vile' Rob Reiner comments

Rob Reiner's son Nick destroyed parents' guest house, stole money to pay for sex worker as teen

The next day, Nick's 28-year-old sister, Romy Reiner made the grisly discovery at her parents' home and called 911, according to PEOPLE. Nick was located and arrested at approximately 9:15 p.m. that evening, booked for murder and currently remains in custody with no bail. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration on Tuesday.

In addition to Romy and Nick, Rob and Michele — who got married in 1989 after first meeting while Rob was directing *When Harry Met Sally* — also shared another son, Jake. Rob is also the father of Tracy Reiner, whom he adopted during his marriage to actress and director Penny Marshall.

Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.

Eric Charbonneau/Getty

Tracy told NBC News that the sudden passing of her father, 78, and his wife, 68, has left her stunned. "I came from the greatest family ever," she told the outlet. "I don't know what to say. I’m in shock."**

The family also shared a statement to *Variety* after the couple's deaths, writing, "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time."**

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