Rob Reiner's Son Nick Just Wanted 'To Be Loved' Like His Relatives Without Doing 'Any Work,' Source Claims

Nick Reiner's behavior and past actions continue to be under scrutiny after he was accused of killing his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, in their Los Angeles home.

Described as "entitled" by a family source, Nick faced years of rehab and even co-wrote a film about his struggles. However, despite the family's efforts, his issues persisted.

Nick Reiner recently appeared in court wearing a suicide-prevention smock, facing two counts of first-degree murder, special circumstances, and a deadly-weapon allegation.

Nick Reiner Was 'Entitled,' Family Source Claims

Nick, who has faced substance abuse issues since his teenage years, was described as deeply "entitled" by someone close to the family.

"Nick wanted to live a life that didn't exist. He was entitled," the source told People Magazine. "He didn't want to do any work but expected to be loved the way the rest of his family was."

On Sunday, December 14, acclaimed actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were discovered dead in their Los Angeles residence.

Nick, 32, was then taken into custody hours later and has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

According to the source, Rob and Michele, who were 78 and 70, carried years of emotional burden, feeling responsible for their inability to help Nick find stability.

"They felt enormous guilt for so long that they couldn't help Nick get his life together," the insider added.

Nick Reiner Opened Up About Addiction Struggles And Growing Up In A Famous Family

Nick reportedly cycled through rehab more than 18 times before turning 22. In an effort to support him, Rob directed "Being Charlie" (2015), a film Nick co-wrote that drew loosely from his struggles with addiction.

The project, the source said, was meant to give Nick a sense of purpose and confidence, both personally and professionally.

While promoting the film, Nick spoke openly about his most difficult periods, and Rob publicly acknowledged how helpless and overwhelmed he felt trying to save his son.

In a 2016 podcast interview, Nick reflected on growing up surrounded by fame, as the son of Rob Reiner and the grandson of comedy legend Carl Reiner, saying it left him without a clear sense of self.

"I had no identity, and I had no passions," he admitted at the time, per People. "And I think the reason I had no identity was because I have a famous dad and a famous grandpa, and that fame sort of informs who you are. So I wanted to edge out my own identity with a more rebellious, angry, drug-addicted sort of persona."

Rob And Michele Reiner Tried Everything To Help Their Troubled Son

Despite the family's closeness, sources say Nick's struggles remained unresolved. In People's recent cover story, an insider described the Reiners as a "tight-knit family."

They noted that the family tried every approach imaginable: distance, support, and structure, without lasting success.

"It's just a parent's worst nightmare," the insider said. "They were such lovely people and tried in every way to help their son."

A different source who spoke to the New York Post stated that Nick had always had violent tendencies.

"I know of another incident a few years back with Nick, but I won't say more than that," the source said, adding, "I just never thought it would ever get to this point."

Jack And Romy Reiner Speak Out, Urge Privacy After Parents' Tragic Deaths

Rob and Michele's two other children, Jake, 34, and Romy, 28, released a statement on December 17 expressing their devastation.

"Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day," they said, per The Blast. "They weren't just our parents; they were our best friends."

They continued, "We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support we have received not only from family and friends but people from all walks of life."

The siblings asked for "respect and privacy" and urged that speculation be met with "compassion and humanity."

Nick Reiner Made His First Court Appearance Facing Murder Charges In His Parents' Deaths

Meanwhile, Nick made his first court appearance on Wednesday, facing two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents.

Wearing a suicide-prevention smock and shackles, the 32-year-old did not enter a plea as he appeared behind the glass partition of the custody area. His next hearing is scheduled for January 7.

Nick was charged on Tuesday with killing his parents, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed. Nick is being held without bail and could face the death penalty.

Along with the two murder counts, prosecutors included special circumstances of multiple murders and an allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon, a knife.

Speaking outside the court, Nick's attorney, Alan Jackson, urged the public not to "rush to judgment."

Jackson noted the case involves "complex and serious issues" that must be "carefully dealt with and examined."