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New York State Assembly member Harvey Epstein has responded to comedian John Mulaney’s role in a movie Saturday evening live sketches.

The skit, which aired Saturday (November 2), revolved around Epstein’s attempts 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 references the closing line: “I agree with John (Mulaney)…let’s not call it it’s Epstein’s island.”

In an interview with a local magazine New York City and StateEpstein said: “I think it went really well, and I’m glad we can all fool ourselves in a way that – to bring joy into the world.”

However, he took a moment to reflect on the heinous crimes behind the prank. “It’s really critical that I take the joy out of the joke and also take the issues of domestic violence seriously,” he said, adding that Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein are “two terrible people.”

Epstein said he was surprised by the skit when it aired, but that he wouldn’t be opposed to appearing on the long-running comedy series in the future. “I absolutely would,” he said.

The politician said there was some truth to be drawn, noting that he was occasionally asked during his campaign whether he was related to Harvey Weinstein or Jeffrey Epstein. He also said that he had his unexpected feeling SNL appearance could raise his profile.

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

As for Mulaney’s portrayal, Epstein thought he did a good job. “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.

The fake campaign video wasn’t the only political element of Saturday’s show. Elsewhere in the episode, Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance during the cold open, poking fun at Donald Trump’s garbage truck battle.

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

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

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.