NYC Politician Harvey Epstein Responds to John Mulaney’s ‘SNL’ Sketch Making Fun of His Name

The state Assembly member agreed with the sentiment that people should call New York City “not Epstein’s island.”

Harvey Epstein seems to have taken his newfound national attention in stride.

The state Assembly member, who is currently a Democratic candidate for New York City Council, was the subject of one Saturday evening live sketch this weekend. During the November 2 episode, he hosted John Mulaney made fun of the local politician’s first and last name, both of which he shares with a convicted sex offender, Harvey Weinstein And Jeffrey Epstein.

In the parody campaign ad, Mulaney (as Epstein) jokes that his name isn’t “ideal” since he shares it with “two of the most infamous sex perverts of all time,” and emphasizes that he’s a “different man.”

“But I’m not going to lie. The name thing has become a bit of an issue,” Mulaney, 42, said in the skit. “I could almost handle Harvey, but Epstein, this thing is an albatross.”

Related: John Mulaney hosts SNL and gives his kids an adorable shout-out as Pete Davidson shows off nearly tattoo-free arms in Cameo

As the parody ad continued, Mulaney could be seen trying to convince New Yorkers that he is not the man they think he is.

“Now I really want to emphasize that I am not him and I am not him,” Mulaney said at one point, pointing to photos of both Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein. “They are different people and they certainly did not come together to form one person in me. That never happened.”

The sketch ended with an unfortunate tagline – “Together we can make this city Epstein’s island” – before Mulaney’s Epstein told people “not to call it that.”

Never miss a story – sign up PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The sketch turned out to fit well with the real Harvey Epstein, who shared his thoughts on Sunday, November 3 via X (formerly Twitter)in which he writes that he agrees with Mulaney’s sentiment.

“I agree with Johan @mulaney …let’s not call it Epstein’s Island,” he wrote.

In a follow-up post, the politician used his platform – and the extra attention from SNL – to encourage his followers to contribute to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. “All joking aside, I hope my new followers will consider donating to @RAINNwho do extremely valuable work supporting survivors,” he wrote.

The assembly member also spoke City & State about the skit, calling it “a little weird” to see Mulaney play him and adding that he thinks it will make people “more aware of who I am.”

“It’s really critical that I take the joy out of the joke and also be serious about domestic violence issues,” he said, later adding that Mulaney’s appearance seemed to match his.

“John Mulaney wore earrings, he had a bald head, he wore the clothes that I wear a lot – so I think he nailed those parts,” he said.

Related: Chappell Roan plays the new song ‘The Giver’ for the first time SNL Appearance with nice sets and striking outfits

The latest episode of SNL featured a few other nods to NYC, many of which appeared in a sketch called “Duane Reade Port Authority“, which featured a special guest Pete Davidson and cast member Andreas Dismukes shopping at a Port Authority Duane Reade store.

Vice President Kamala Harris also made a surprise appearance in the show’s final cold openjust three days before the presidential election. During the sketch, Maya Rudolf reprized her role as Harris, before coming face to face with the candidate herself.

Saturday evening live next airs on november 9, when Bill Burr will handle hosting dutiesaccompanied by musician Mk.gee.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the crisis text line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.