James Woods Praises ‘Patriot’ Rob Reiner, Slams Attacks After Director’s Killing
Actor and outspoken conservative James Woods became emotional while paying tribute to filmmaker Rob Reiner, condemning what he described as “infuriating and distasteful” attacks against Reiner following his violent death.
Speaking Monday night on Fox News Channel, Woods defended Reiner’s character and legacy, emphasizing respect, patriotism, and humanity over political division after the slain director became the subject of harsh political rhetoric.
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Woods Defends Reiner Amid Political Attacks | James Woods Rob Reiner
Woods’ comments came hours after President Donald Trump mocked and criticized Reiner following news of his death. Trump blamed Reiner for his own killing in social media posts and later described the progressive activist as “deranged” and “very bad for our country” when speaking to reporters.
Although Woods did not name Trump directly, his remarks were widely interpreted as a response to the president’s comments.
“When people say horrible things about Rob right now, I find it, quite frankly, infuriating and distasteful,” Woods said during an interview with Fox host Jesse Watters.
A Patriot Despite Our Differences
Woods, a longtime supporter of Trump, acknowledged his political disagreements with Reiner but stressed that ideology never diminished his admiration for the filmmaker.
“Did I agree with his politics? I did not,” Woods said. “Did I love him as a friend, as an artist, as an icon of Hollywood and as a patriot? I most certainly did.”
He added that both men shared a love for America, even if they envisioned different paths forward. “We had a different path to the same destination, which was a country we both loved,” Woods said.
How Rob Reiner Saved James Woods’ Career
Woods credited Reiner with reviving his acting career at a low point in the mid-1990s by casting him in the 1996 film Ghosts of Mississippi.
The film, directed by Reiner, chronicled the prosecution of white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith for the 1963 murder of civil rights leader Medgar Evers. Woods portrayed Beckwith, a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
“I was 32 years too young for the part, but he believed in me when the studio didn’t,” Woods said. “Rob literally saved my career.”
Details of the Killing
Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found fatally stabbed inside their home in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to the residence around 3:40 p.m. and discovered both victims deceased. Authorities later confirmed the couple were victims of homicide.
Son Arrested in Double Homicide
Police arrested the Reiners’ younger son, Nick Reiner, 32, on suspicion of murder. Authorities say he is being held without bond.
Sources familiar with the investigation indicated Nick Reiner had struggled with drug addiction and mental health issues. The family has not publicly commented beyond a statement expressing heartbreak over the sudden loss.
Conservatives Condemn Political Rhetoric
Several Republican lawmakers criticized the political attacks surrounding the tragedy.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene called the killings a family tragedy that should be met with compassion, not political hostility. Representative Mike Lawler echoed those sentiments, saying no political differences justify violence or mockery.
Representative Thomas Massie labeled the discourse “inappropriate and disrespectful.”
Hollywood Mourns the Loss
Tributes also poured in from Hollywood. Actress Jane Fonda said she met with Rob and Michele Reiner just one day before their deaths and described them as generous, thoughtful, and deeply committed to making the world better.
The couple had also attended a Christmas party hosted by Conan O’Brien days before the killings.
A Legacy Beyond Politics
Rob Reiner’s death has reignited debate over politicizing tragedy, but Woods urged restraint and dignity.
“You got it all wrong,” Woods said of critics who attacked Reiner online. “This is about humanity, not politics.”
As investigations continue, many across political and cultural divides are calling for empathy, mourning, and respect for a family devastated by violence.
