Commentator Megyn Kelly has suggested that Nick Reiner's devastating descent into drug addiction as a teenager may have been influenced by parents who were "focused on the wrong thing," namely their high-profile Hollywood careers. Her comments come as the 32-year-old faces charges for the alleged murder of his parents, legendary director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Reiner.
A Childhood Gripped by 'Demon' Drugs
Nick Reiner's long-standing struggles with substance abuse have been thrust into the spotlight following the horrific events at the family's $13.5 million Los Angeles mansion. He first entered rehabilitation at the age of 15, battling addictions to cocaine and heroin. This initial stint was the first of an astonishing 17 rehab visits throughout his life, painting a picture of a protracted and severe battle with addiction.
Speaking on her SiriusXM show, The Megyn Kelly Show, Kelly, 55, was careful to state she was not directly blaming the Reiners. However, she insisted on an honest appraisal of the situation. "This level of drug addiction at this young an age may, may involve parents who were focused on the wrong thing, like careers instead of their kid," she said.
Kelly emphasised the need for parental vigilance, arguing, "You have to head it off at the pass. You have to be totally attuned to your child's behaviours before, before that demon gets a hold of him." She contrasted this with her own approach as a busy professional, stating she believes she would be aware of any such issues with her own children.
A Family Tragedy and a Court Appearance
The theoretical discussion of parenting follows an almost unimaginable real-world tragedy. Nick Reiner appeared in court on Wednesday, charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his 78-year-old father and 70-year-old mother. Prosecutors have added special circumstances of multiple murders and use of a knife, meaning he could face life without parole or the death penalty if convicted.
During the brief hearing, the 32-year-old wore an anti-suicide vest and did not enter a plea. His defence attorney, the high-profile Alan Jackson, requested a continuance, which was granted. Reiner's arraignment is now scheduled for January 7, and he is being held without bail.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner confirmed the couple died from 'multiple sharp force injuries', with their deaths ruled homicides. They were discovered on Sunday in their Brentwood home after a massage therapist raised the alarm.
Questions About Lifestyle and a Fatal Night
Kelly also scrutinised the environment in the Reiner household, referencing Nick's own past claims that he lost his virginity at 14 to a sex worker. He allegedly paid for the encounter with $200 borrowed from his parents without explaining its purpose. "How does a 14-year-old get so addicted to drugs... and they're calling sex workers to come to the house in the middle of the night," Kelly questioned.
New details indicate the night before the murders was also fraught. Nick had attended a Christmas party at comedian Conan O'Brien's home with his parents, who sources say brought him to keep an eye on him. He reportedly unnerved guests and got into a disagreement with comedian Bill Hader, prompting an early departure.
After the alleged crimes, Nick Reiner is said to have checked into a Santa Monica hotel room around 4am on Sunday. When staff entered later, they reportedly found the shower "full of blood" and blood splattered on the bed, with windows covered by sheets.
In the wake of the hearing, the couple's other children, Romy and Jake Reiner, released a heart-wrenching statement. They described their parents as their "best friends" and asked for privacy, urging the public to treat speculation with "compassion and humanity." Their father's defence attorney, Alan Jackson, echoed this, asking people not to "rush to judgment" due to the "very, very complex and serious issues" involved.
