Obamas Reveal They Had Planned to See Rob and Michele Reiner Hours Before Tragic Deaths

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has revealed that she and former President Barack Obama were scheduled to see filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner on the same night the Hollywood couple were found dead in their Los Angeles home.

Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday night, Michelle Obama described the shock and grief following the killings, which have sent waves through the entertainment industry and political circles alike.

“We were supposed to be seeing them that night — last night,” Obama told host Jimmy Kimmel, visibly shaken as she reflected on the tragedy.

Investigation Ongoing in Brentwood Case

Rob and Michele Reiner were discovered Sunday afternoon in their Brentwood residence, both suffering from apparent knife wounds, according to law enforcement sources. Later that night, police arrested the couple’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, who has been named a suspect in the case.

Authorities have not released further details regarding motive, and the investigation remains ongoing. No additional suspects have been identified.

Obama Family Expresses Deep Personal Loss

The Obamas, who had known the Reiners for many years, publicly expressed their grief shortly after news of the deaths broke. In a statement posted Sunday evening, former President Obama said he and his wife were “heartbroken” by the loss.

During her television appearance, Michelle Obama emphasized the depth of their relationship with the couple and pushed back strongly against what she described as disrespectful rhetoric surrounding Rob Reiner following his death.

Michelle Obama Defends the Reiners’ Legacy

Obama addressed controversial remarks made by former President Donald Trump, who criticized Rob Reiner posthumously with inflammatory language. Without naming Trump directly, Obama contrasted the filmmaker’s character with the accusations made against him.

“Rob and Michele Reiner are some of the most decent, courageous people you ever want to know,” she said. “They were passionate people who put action behind what they believed in—fairness, equity, family, and this country.”

She added that their values defined their lives far more than their public profiles.

Longstanding Ties Between the Obamas and Hollywood

The Obamas have maintained deep connections within the entertainment industry, particularly through Higher Ground, their production company. Founded after leaving the White House, Higher Ground entered an exclusive deal with Netflix that produced acclaimed projects such as American Factory, Crip Camp, Leave the World Behind, and Fatherhood.

In 2024, the Obamas renewed their Netflix partnership under a non-exclusive first-look agreement, continuing their involvement in film and television storytelling.

Barack Obama’s Full Statement

In his statement, Barack Obama praised Rob Reiner’s creative legacy and personal values.

“Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories,” he wrote. “But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.”

The statement concluded with condolences to the Reiners’ family and friends.

As tributes continue to pour in from across Hollywood and beyond, the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner mark a devastating loss felt across creative, political, and personal communities.