Comedian and TV host Bill Maher is used to public furor, and he's getting some heat for a photo he recently published that appeared to mimic the image that helped to force former Sen. Al Franken to resign.

Here's the photo he published:

Maher wrote, "These New Years Hawaii trips are getting weird - Saget, forgive me!" and assumed the groping stance Franken took in a controversial photo.

The original photograph was taken of radio host Leeann Tweeden, who later accused Franken of other unwanted episodes of sexual harassment.

What was the reaction?

Many on social media thought it was inappropriate for Maher to make such a joke, with some saying it perpetuated "rape culture."

Gay activist Jason Rosenberg responded, "Bill Maher is here to remind you that he is tasteless trash. Once again."

Franken resigned from his office over the sexual harassment allegations that included Tweeden's, and those of numerous other women.