The Final Straw That Made The Reiners Walk Away From Nick

The Reiner family has reached a breaking point. In the wake of the shocking murders of legendary director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner, insiders say the family has made a painful but decisive move that signals just how deep the rupture has become. 

With Nick Reiner now facing the most serious charges imaginable, those closest to him have drawn a firm line, cutting off financial and emotional support as the legal case moves forward.

Nick Reiner’s remaining family has taken a firm stance on his future, with siblings Jake and Romy Reiner agreeing to stop funding his legal defense. 

According to sources, the decision was made jointly and backed by extended family members after careful deliberation.

An insider told the Daily Mail that the family reached its limit, saying, “[Nick] did this himself, he can deal with the consequences himself.” 

The source added that Rob and Michele had long provided generously for their children, noting, “Rob and Michele have always been generous with their money to their kids. So he has always had money, and should have some in his account.”

Despite that history, Jake and Romy are said to be “disgusted” by what their brother is accused of and believe continuing to pay for his defense would cross a moral line they are unwilling to step over.

The family’s decision came into focus after attorney Alan Jackson formally withdrew from representing Nick Reiner during a recent court hearing. 

Jackson cited “circumstances beyond” his and Nick’s control but emphasized that he still believes his former client is not guilty.

With Jackson stepping aside, Nick’s case will now be handled by the Los Angeles County public defender’s office. 

The veteran attorney, whose résumé includes representing Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, and Karen Read, did not elaborate further on his departure.

Family sources say Jackson was brought in quickly after Nick’s arrest on the recommendation of Reiner's family lawyers. 

However, with the siblings no longer willing to underwrite the mounting legal costs, continuing with private counsel was no longer an option.

Sources say the siblings felt immense pain over their decision, as turning away from a loved one goes against everything the Reiners stand for. 

“It’s not like the Reiners or their nearest and dearest to turn their backs on a family member or anyone close to them. But this is different,” one source explained.

Another insider put the reaction within the family into stark terms, noting, “He’s accused of taking their parents, now should he take their inheritance so he can get free from the consequences? That’s what everyone’s reaction has been.”

“This is incomprehensible. The disgust over Nick’s alleged despicable act is felt by everyone, and the inclination to spend millions on his defense is just not there,” the source added. 

While painful, Jake and Romy reportedly concluded that distancing themselves from Nick was necessary for their own well-being.

Friends close to the family say Rob and Michele did everything they could to help their second son. Nick Reiner had reportedly been in rehab at least 18 times since the age of 15. 

Open about his addiction struggles, he was described as increasingly volatile in recent years. 

Sources said the 33-year-old, while under the influence of methamphetamine and suffering from days without sleep, was known for violent outbursts that included smashing furniture and punching walls. 

He was labeled a “ticking time bomb,” with his parents growing increasingly desperate.

According to a report, Nick had been suffering from worsening schizophrenia and became “erratic and dangerous” after doctors recently changed his psychiatric medication weeks before the alleged murders. 

Despite years of intervention, those close to the family say Rob and Michele had reached a point where they wanted him out of their home, even as they feared they might never find the help that would truly tame Nick’s addiction.

Romy was the one who discovered her father’s body after a massage therapist scheduled to visit the home could not gain entry on December 14. 

Sources said she was so traumatized that she ran out of the house and initially did not notice her mother’s body. 

According to The New York Times, she only learned Michele was also dead after paramedics arrived.

Now, Rob’s siblings, Lucas and Annie, have thrown their full support behind Romy and her brother, Jake, prioritizing their emotional recovery. 

One source said, “Romy and Jake have absolutely no desire to see their brother.”

They added, “The days of rescuing Nick and placating him are long gone, and as far as the family is concerned, Nick must face the consequences on his own without any handouts and without any handholding.” 

Nick is scheduled for arraignment on February 23. If convicted, he could face the death penalty, though prosecutors have not yet said whether they will seek it.