Donna Rotunno on Legal Developments and Billy Crystal’s Year of Loss

Legal Insights from Donna Rotunno

Legal expert Donna Rotunno provided her analysis on two significant legal cases. The first involves Nick Reiner’s probable cause hearing. Reiner stands accused of murdering his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. Rotunno emphasized the low legal threshold required to move the case to trial.

In another case, Rotunno discussed the defense’s strategy in the charges against a man accused of killing NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother. The case hinges on a critical issue concerning blood plasma versus whole blood testing.

Billy Crystal’s Transformative Year

Billy Crystal, the renowned comedian, reflected on a challenging year marked by loss. In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, he shared how these events altered his relationship with God. After losing his home in the 2025 Pacific Palisades wildfires and the death of his close friend Rob Reiner, Crystal revealed his shaken faith.

When questioned if he remained in communication with God after these losses, Crystal responded, referencing his prior one-man show, “700 Sundays.” He expressed his distrust in God, citing the troubled state of the Earth and the troubling times.

Impact of Loss

The Pacific Palisades fire destroyed Crystal’s home, a place he and his wife, Janice, cherished for 46 years. They raised their children and grandchildren there, making the loss particularly poignant. Speaking at a benefit concert weeks after the fire, Crystal recounted his return to the property’s remains.

“When we finally returned to our house, I fell to my knees. I had not cried like that since I learned of my father’s death at 15,” Crystal shared.

The experience of losing his home became the foundation for his new Broadway show, “860,” named after the home’s address. The show recreates his home office and explores themes of family, career, and grief. It also delves into the loss of Rob Reiner, with whom Crystal had spent the evening before his tragic passing.

Finding Humor in Tragedy

Despite the sorrow, Crystal uses humor as a coping mechanism. He believes that humor has played a crucial role in helping him navigate the challenges and heal from his losses.

Reflecting on performing “860,” Crystal stated that it has been instrumental in helping him come to terms with the loss of his home and friends.

He shared, “I’ve endured tremendous losses, yet I’m okay.”

Christina Dugan Ramirez, an entertainment journalist, contributed to this report. She has over 15 years of experience, including a decade at PEOPLE, before joining Fox News Digital in 2024.