The former star of "Impractical Jokers," Joe Gatto, has been confronted with accusations of sexually assaulting a woman during her tender age of 19. A TikTok user, known by the moniker joozyb, shared a sequence of videos meticulously detailing her allegations against the 48-year-old Gatto, as reported by People magazine.
"I was sexually assaulted by Joe Gatto, the comedian from 'Impractical Jokers,'" joozyb declared in a TikTok video posted on March 20th, Thursday. "I'm sorry if you find it hard to believe. But the individuals you admire may not always embody perfection."
The woman then elaborated on the alleged incident's narrative. She recounted an encounter with Gatto at a Milwaukee restaurant where she, her mother, and her sister were enjoying brunch. She requested a photo with the TV personality and subsequently sent him a Direct Message on Instagram, inquiring about the possibility of obtaining complimentary tickets to his show in the same city. Gatto allegedly bestowed her with two free tickets, along with meet-and-greet passes, for his stand-up comedy at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee on September 8th, 2023.
After attending the show solo and capturing a picture with him post-performance, she returned home, where she and her roommate began reminiscing about the evening over drinks. The TikToker claimed that her and Gatto's Instagram messaging began to turn "slightly peculiar," and that he utilized the "Vanishing Mode" feature, which deletes messages upon exiting the chat.
The content creator further alleged that Gatto provided her with directions to his hotel. Joozyby claimed that upon her arrival, "someone guided her to the elevator, and another person accompanied her, pressing the button." Although she refrained from specifying the details of her allegations, she maintained that "something untoward transpired."
In subsequent TikTok videos, she exhibited purported screenshots of her conversations with Gatto, along with a photograph of her bruised buttock, which she asserted was inflicted by Gatto's "teeth."
"Yes, he sexually assaulted me. Yes, he had recently reconciled with his wife. I'm sorry if you don't want to hear it," she captioned the photo.
Joe refuted the accusations leveled against him in a statement issued to Page Six on March 22nd. "I have exercised poor judgment, resulting in betraying the trust of my loved ones. However, anyone who knows me intimately understands that I would never assault anyone," he asserted.
"Working on myself is an ongoing endeavor," Joe's statement continued. "And now, I intend to take a breather from the public spotlight to redirect my energies where they are most needed."
In December 2021, Gatto astounded "Impractical Jokers" fans by announcing his departure from the show.
"I apologize for the length and unusual tone of this note, but I wanted to inform you all that I will no longer be part of 'Impractical Jokers,'" his statement read at that time. "Alongside my friends, I've dedicated a decade of my life to building this franchise, and I couldn't be prouder of our achievements. However, due to personal issues, I must step aside. Bessy Gatto and I have amicably decided to part ways, so now I must focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two wonderful children."
After expressing gratitude to his co-stars Brian "Q" Quinn, James "Murr" Murray, and Sal Vulcano, he added, "As I navigate the challenges I face, I am hopeful and excited to create new avenues to entertain you."
While his fellow "Impractical Jokers" stars were taken aback by Gatto's exit, they announced their intention to continue the show.
Almost two years later, Gatto and Bessy, 42, reconciled.
"Ten years ago, when we embarked on this journey, I couldn't have fathomed the whirlwind of emotions—both highs and lows—that our marriage has endured," Gatto penned alongside a photograph of himself and Bessy in September 2023. "But love has always been the constant. And I know that there's no one else I'd want to share my life with."
