Joe Gatto, a former star of the comedy series “Impractical Jokers,” has responded to allegations of sexual assault made by a woman on TikTok. The accuser, known as joozyb, claimed that Gatto assaulted her in a Milwaukee hotel room after his show in September 2023 when she was 19 years old. In a statement, Gatto acknowledged using poor judgment but denied the allegations of assault.
I have used poor judgment and, as a result, have violated the trust of the people I love most,” he said. “But anyone who knows me at all knows full well that I wouldn’t assault anyone. Working on myself is an ongoing process, and I will take some time away from the public eye to focus my energies where I need to.”
According to joozyb, the incident occurred after she received meet-and-greet passes from Gatto.
She claimed that after the event, Gatto invited her to his hotel room where the alleged assault took place.
Gatto acknowledges poor judgment
She also shared a photo as part of her allegations, stating that it happened when Gatto reconciled with his wife.
Gatto was a founding member of the Tenderloins comedy troupe and gained widespread fame for his role in “Impractical Jokers,” which aired from 2011 to 2021. He appeared in 244 episodes of the show and the 2020 film “Impractical Jokers: The Movie” before departing in 2021 due to personal reasons. At his departure, Gatto announced that he and his wife, Bessy, were splitting up.
“Sorry in advance for the long and more-serious-than-usual note below, I just wanted to let you all know that I will no longer be involved with ‘Impractical Jokers,'” he wrote in an Instagram post. Alongside my friends, I’ve devoted a decade of my life to building this franchise and couldn’t be prouder of what has been accomplished. However, due to some issues in my personal life, I have to step away.
Bessy and I have decided to part ways amicably, so now I need to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible kids.”
“Impractical Jokers” is currently in its 11th season and airs on TBS. Various comedians fill the fourth cast slot in Gatto’s absence.
Image Credits: Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash
