Larry David mocks Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in new HBO sketch series

Larry David’s new HBO series, Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America, includes a sketch that targets a character based on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The scene depicts a vaccine-skeptic, modeled after a public health official, being rebuked by an actress playing Jonas Salk’s mother. The dialogue includes a line in which the mother tells the skeptic, "Drop dead, Bobby. You should die a dog’s death. You don’t know anything about science; you’re not a doctor. If you were in charge, God help us all!" The skeptic later makes claims about fluoride and gender, and is escorted out by two men in white coats.

The sketch is part of a series produced by former President Barack Obama that also satirizes other political figures. In a separate episode, David’s character warns colonialists about a future leader described as a "narcissistic" individual who would use the presidency for personal gain, adding a remark about alleged connections to a pedophile.

David and Kennedy were previously friends; David introduced Kennedy to his wife, actress Cheryl Hines. Their political paths have since diverged, and Hines does not appear in the new series. Co-creator Jeff Schaffer said Hines was not asked to participate, noting his positive experiences working with her.

The Daily Beast contacted Kennedy for comment but did not receive a response.