"What a heartbreaking example": Perez Hilton reacts to Rob Reiner's son reportedly being on suicide watch & solitary confinement

Perez Hilton addressed reports that Nick Reiner, the son of filmmaker Rob Reiner, had been placed on suicide watch and held in solitary confinement following his arrest in connection with the deaths of his parents. In an article published on his website on December 22, Hilton expressed concern over Reiner’s condition and reflected on how rapidly circumstances had escalated.

“Nick Reiner is being closely monitored in prison…What a heartbreaking example of how fast things can happen and life can change. Our hearts continue to be with the Reiner’s loved ones,” he wrote.

In his article, Hilton then provided a detailed update on Rob Reiner’s son’s legal and custodial status, explaining that the developments came just days after the alleged crime. He explained:

“One week after the tragic murders of Rob and Michele Reiner, we’re hearing an update on Nick’s current condition behind bars. As we’ve been following, the 32-year-old was arrested and charged with two counts of first degree murder in the death of his parents, and was booked without bail into the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.”

Perez Hilton went on to outline Reiner’s initial placement within the detention center, explaining that he had been assigned to the administrative segregation unit and placed on suicide watch.

He added that Reiner was initially deemed “not medically cleared” to appear in court, though he later attended a hearing where he waived his right to a speedy arraignment.

Citing a previous report from TMZ, Hilton noted that Rob Reiner’s son had earlier been described as showing little outward grief, appearing “in a fog,” while remaining calm, cognizant, and dazed. However, Hilton said a more recent update painted a clearer picture of Nick Reiner’s current mental state.

Referencing information from People Magazine, the podcaster reported that a police source confirmed Reiner remained on suicide watch as of Saturday, December 20, and was being held in “solitary confinement” following the “killings of his parents.”

According to the source, Reiner was required to wear a “blue suicide-prevention smock” at all times while in custody.

“The police insider also noted Nick is not allowed to communicate with anyone other than his lawyer Alan Jackson and authorized prison personnel,” Perez Hilton added.

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What else do we know about Rob Reiner’s son, Nick Reiner?

Rob Reiner (Image via Getty Images)

Nick Reiner, the son of filmmaker Rob Reiner, was being held under highly restrictive conditions while in custody, according to a December 20 report by People magazine.

A police source told the outlet that Reiner was not permitted to communicate with anyone other than his legal counsel and authorized jail staff, reflecting the high-profile nature of the case.

The source further explained that these extreme limitations were imposed to preserve the integrity of the investigation and prevent outside interference.

“This is important so that no one compromises this high-profile case, and so that no civilian or inmate can ask him questions, such as why he killed his parents,” a police source told People.

Under these restrictions, Rob Reiner’s son remained alone in his cell at all times and was only allowed to leave for court appearances or medical reasons.

Even then, he was escorted by a sergeant equipped with a video camera, while his movements were rigidly controlled and continuously monitored. The source described his daily routine as highly regimented, with three meals delivered directly to his cell in solitary confinement and no meaningful contact with the outside world.

Authorities also cited significant mental health concerns.

According to the police source, medical professionals determined that Nick Reiner had a “mental disability” and posed a potential risk to himself. As a result, he was placed on suicide watch shortly after he arrived at the jail, following an evaluation by mental health staff.

“When he arrived at the jail on Dec. 15, mental health staff evaluated him and determined he was at risk. He will remain on suicide watch until a doctor clears him, which could take a long time depending on his mental health,” the source said.

Nick Reiner entered the facility at 8:54 a.m. on Monday, December 15, and was processed unusually quickly due to the case’s high-profile status.

The source noted Rob Reiner’s son, Nick, was processed faster than most inmates. There was “no delay” with intake, infection screening, and his psychological assessment was completed in under four hours, far faster than the typical 24-hour process.

The police source explained:

“There was no delay — he was processed and housed in less than four hours from the moment he entered. Since then, he has been escorted at all times by a sergeant with a video camera…This process usually takes about 24 hours for an inmate…In this case, it was expedited because it’s a high-profile case and they wanted it done as quickly as possible.”

During this time, Rob Reiner’s son was denied phone privileges and visitors, with officials emphasizing they could not put him at further risk given his mental health struggles.

Inside the prison, the source detailed how Nick Reiner’s cell was monitored around the clock, with supervisors checking on him every 15 minutes while he remained on suicide watch. The source indicated that although he was struggling mentally, he had not attempted “self-harm” and communicated very little while in isolation.

Nick Reiner Arraigned For Murder Of His Parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner In Los Angeles Court (Image via Getty Images)

As per the People Magazine report, Reiner made his first court appearance on Wednesday, December 17, in Los Angeles Superior Court.

At the time, he wore a blue anti-suicide smock and shackles, and he sat behind plexiglass near Judge Theresa McGonigle as his attorney, Alan Jackson, declined to enter a plea. When asked whether he was willing to waive his right to a speedy arraignment, Reiner responded calmly before being escorted out by security.

Weighing in on his court appearance, the police source also emphasized that this followed a thorough medical evaluation.

“He was medically evaluated and cleared by the medical staff, including the on-site doctor, and deemed competent enough to attend court on Wednesday,” the source explained.

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As per the aforementioned People Magazine report, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman is seeking a murder conviction with “special circumstances,” a move that could make Nick Reiner eligible for the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Currently, Nick Reiner, the son of filmmaker Rob Reiner, is scheduled to be arraigned on January 7, 2026.

Edited by Shayari Roy