Harvey Epstein responds to John Mulaney's SNL sketch about New York City Council bid

New York State Assembly member Harvey Epstein has reacted to comedian John Mulaney playing him in a role Saturday Night Live sketch.

The skit, which aired on Saturday (November 2), centered on Epstein's efforts to convince voters that he has no relationship with notorious sex offenders Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein.

The real Epstein, who is currently running for a seat on the New York City Council, showed his approval of the sketch by reposting it on social media with a caption that referenced the closing sentence: “I agree with John [Mulaney]…let’s not call it Epstein’s Island.”

In an interview with a local magazine City and State of New YorkEpstein said: “I think it's been very well received and I'm glad we can all make fun of ourselves in a way that brings joy to the world.”

However, he took a moment to reflect on the horrific crimes that underpinned the joke. “It's really important that I take the joy of the joke and also take the issue of domestic violence seriously,” he said, adding that Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein are “two terrible people.”

Epstein said he was surprised by the sketch when it aired, but he wouldn't mind appearing on the long-running comedy series in the future. “I would definitely do that,” he said.

The politician said there was some truth to be sketched out, noting that during the campaign he was occasionally asked whether he was related to Harvey Weinstein or Jeffrey Epstein. He also said that he felt his unexpectedness SNL His appearance could increase his popularity.

“I think it definitely makes more people aware of who I am,” he said. “But fortunately I already have a high profile in my district.”

As for Mulaney's portrayal, Epstein said he did a good job. “John Mulaney wore earrings, he was bald, he wore the clothes I wear a lot – so I think he got those pieces right,” he said.

The fake campaign video wasn't the only political element of Saturday's broadcast. Elsewhere in the episode, Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance during the cold opening, poking fun at Donald Trump's fight with the garbage trucks.

The vice president, who was played by Maya Rudolph on the comedy show's 50th season, flew to New York City on Saturday evening after a campaign event in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Harris made the unscheduled stop en route to Detroit, Michigan, as Air Force Two landed at LaGuardia Airport in Queens. It was the show's final episode before Election Day on Tuesday, November 5th.

Since then, a commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission – a government agency that regulates radio and television in the US – has said the appearance may have violated the “equal time” rule.