Harvey Epstein: Public Appearances and Media
Saturday Night Live Sketch (November 2024)
Epstein gained national media attention on November 2, 2024, when comedian John Mulaney portrayed him in a mock campaign advertisement on Saturday Night Live . The sketch, part of the final SNL episode before the 2024 presidential election, played on the coincidence that Epstein's name evokes two convicted sex offenders. Mulaney wore a bald cap and earrings to approximate Epstein's appearance, and the bit included gags about confusion between the politician and the notorious figures . Coverage from the New York Post, People, City and State NY, NBC Insider, IMDb, the Jewish Chronicle, and The Wrap followed the sketch, many noting that Epstein was a real officeholder unfamiliar to audiences outside New York City . Epstein's gracious reaction, including a social media post leveraging the moment for his campaign, drew additional positive coverage.
Rent Guidelines Board Public Hearings
During his tenure on the Rent Guidelines Board from 2013 to 2017, Epstein was a regular presence at the board's public hearings and borough-wide testimony sessions, where tenants and landlords argued for or against rent adjustments . His advocacy during these proceedings, including his push for the first-ever rent freeze in 2015, generated coverage from Gotham Gazette, Patch, CBS New York, City Limits, and The Tenant . In June 2026, Epstein appeared as a commentator on the latest rent freeze vote, with his analysis of landlord income data and tenant affordability burdens cited by Commercial Observer .
Beth Israel Hospital Rallies and Press Conferences
Epstein was a frequent participant in rallies and press conferences opposing the closure of Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital throughout 2023 and 2024 . He appeared alongside a large coalition of elected officials, including Congressman Jerry Nadler, Congressman Dan Goldman, State Senators Kristen Gonzalez, Brian Kavanagh, and Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and Council Members Carlina Rivera, Erik Bottcher, and Keith Powers . The campaign received coverage from Fox 5 NY, NY1, Our Town NY, the Village Sun, and the New York State Senate press office .
East Side Coastal Resiliency Project Events
Epstein testified at multiple public hearings on the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project, including sessions before the New York City Office of Management and Budget in September 2019 and the City Council Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, and Dispositions in October 2019 . He was interviewed by News 12 Brooklyn about the project, recounting his experience during Hurricane Sandy and defending the project's necessity despite community opposition . He appeared at the completion ceremony for the first section of the project in October 2024, alongside Mayor Adams and other elected officials .
Town Halls and Community Events
Epstein held annual town halls during his Assembly tenure, including a 2019 event that convened over 100 constituents and representatives from more than a dozen community organizations for panel discussions on housing justice, disability rights, criminal justice, public education, and the environment . He organized a youth council for the 74th Assembly District and hosted community forums to encourage constituent participation in local politics . In 2024, he announced a $300,000 investment in 12 community organizations serving Assembly District 74, secured through state funding .
Earth Day and Environmental Events
In partnership with the New Leaders Council NYC chapter, Epstein kicked off a summer-long effort to build green, civic, and educational spaces across the Lower East Side on Earth Day, drawing over 100 volunteers . He was involved in environmental advocacy events including the campaign against fossil fuel combined heat and power plants in Stuyvesant Town .
Primary Night and Election Night Appearances
Epstein celebrated his June 24, 2025, primary victory at Mary O's bar on Avenue A in the East Village, appearing before supporters in an orange shirt and khaki shorts and telling the crowd that the district was his home and community . His mother, Barbara, was photographed at the event reacting to the results . He was joined by his wife, Anita, for the celebration .
NYU Law Senior Research Fellowship
In late 2025, Epstein was appointed as a Senior Research Fellow in AI and Access to Justice at New York University School of Law's Center on Civil Justice, where he works alongside the center's leadership on advancing AI tools that help bridge the access-to-justice gap . He described the role as rooted in a long-standing commitment to expanding access to legal help through responsible innovation .