The Hollywood community is reeling from the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, producer and photographer Michele Singer Reiner. But as the investigation into their tragic end unfolds, those closest to the couple are pushing back hard against rumors and accusations that the Reiners failed their troubled son, Nick.

In the wake of their passing, whispers and commentary have surfaced, suggesting Rob and Michele Reiner didn’t spend enough time with Nick, or failed to prioritize him during his years of struggle. Now, their friends and family are speaking out, calling such claims “an insult to every parent”—especially those who have faced the heartbreak of raising a child with mental health and addiction issues.

A Family’s Private Struggle in the Public Eye

Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were found dead inside their Los Angeles home on December 14. Their son, Nick Reiner, 32, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, with prosecutors seeking an increased sentence due to the special circumstance of multiple murders. The county medical examiner confirmed the couple died from “multiple sharp force injuries.”

The news has stunned both fans and the entertainment industry, prompting an outpouring of grief and a flurry of speculation. But insiders close to the Reiner family insist that the narrative being spun by some commentators is not only inaccurate—it’s deeply unfair.

“To say that Rob and Michele weren’t as loving as parents get or that they didn’t try everything they could to support Nick is an insult to every parent, especially those with a child suffering from mental health issues,” one source close to the family told PEOPLE. “They did an admirable job balancing parenting and work, but their kids are all adults now and they had tried so hard for years.”

The Painful Reality Behind the Headlines

Nick Reiner’s struggles with drug addiction and homelessness began in his teens and have been documented in interviews and the semi-autobiographical film “Being Charlie,” which he co-wrote with his father. Nick has spoken openly about his battle, estimating he attended drug treatment 18 times as a teenager, and that he was sent to rehab as early as age 15.

“If I wanted to do it my way and not go to the programs they were suggesting, then I had to be homeless,” Nick said in a 2016 interview with PEOPLE, describing periods spent on the streets in Maine, New Jersey, and Texas.

Sources close to the family say Rob and Michele never gave up on Nick, even as his issues became “far, far out of his parents’ control.” One insider described Nick as “unreliable, but also convincing and intelligent,” adding, “His family was empathetic to how much his struggles contributed to his behavior. They never lost hope in him, even when he was scaring them or making their lives harder.”

Hollywood Reacts to Controversial Commentary

The tragedy has drawn attention from media personalities, including political commentator Megyn Kelly, who speculated on her SiriusXM show that the deaths “may involve parents who were focused on the wrong thing, like careers instead of their kid.” Her remarks sparked heated debate, with many listeners criticizing her for passing judgment without understanding the full story.

“I was disappointed in your commentary on their parenting style,” one comment read. Another added, “Kindness is what we need, Megyn, not judgment.”

Insiders say such criticisms are not only unwarranted—they’re harmful. “At the end of the day, Nick didn’t take the help seriously. This was true for years and years,” said a second source. “Still, Rob and Michele tried their best to protect their family—including Nick.”

A Bond Forged Through Art and Adversity

Despite their struggles, the Reiners found ways to connect with Nick. In 2015, Rob and Nick collaborated on “Being Charlie,” a film that explored addiction and family dynamics. Both said the process helped repair their strained relationship. “They hoped ‘Being Charlie’ would help build Nick’s confidence in the industry and in himself,” the family source explained.

Rob Reiner spoke candidly about his parenting philosophy in recent interviews, emphasizing that he always made time for his children. “I was never, ever too busy,” Rob told NPR’s Fresh Air in September. “If anything, I was more hands-on and trying to do whatever I thought I could do to help. I’m sure I made mistakes and, you know, I’ve talked about that with him since.”

He echoed those sentiments in a 2016 Access Hollywood interview: “He’s my son, I love him. He’s more important than anything that could happen to me.”

What Really Happened?

As the investigation continues, many are left wondering how a devoted family ended up facing such unimaginable loss. Friends and colleagues say the answer isn’t simple—and that quick judgments do a disservice to families everywhere dealing with addiction and mental health.

The Reiners were known for their warmth, their generosity, and their commitment to each other. They raised three children together—Nick, Jake, and Romy—and Rob adopted Tracy, his daughter from a previous marriage to Penny Marshall. Despite their high-profile careers, sources say family always came first.

A Call for Compassion and Understanding

The deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner have left a void in Hollywood and beyond. But those who knew them best hope their story will spark greater empathy for families facing similar challenges—and push back against the stigma that often surrounds mental health and addiction.

“The truth is, you can love someone with all your heart and still not be able to save them from themselves,” said one close friend. “Rob and Michele gave everything they had. They deserve compassion, not criticism.”

The Story Isn’t Over

As the investigation continues and the Reiner family mourns, one thing is clear: the conversation about love, loss, and what it means to be a parent in the face of adversity is just beginning. For now, those who loved Rob and Michele Reiner ask for compassion—and for their story to be told with the dignity it deserves.