Joe Gatto, known for his role as a founding member of the popular prank show Impractical Jokers, has publicly responded to serious allegations made against him by a TikTok user. The woman, who goes by the username joozyb, accused Gatto of sexual assault after an encounter in Milwaukee in 2023, when she was just 19 years old.
According to the TikTok user, she initially approached Joe Gatto at a restaurant, seeking a complimentary ticket to his show. Gatto allegedly provided her with a pair of tickets, leading to a series of text exchanges between the two after his performance. The accuser claims that Gatto later invited her to his hotel room, where she asserts that an incident of sexual assault occurred, although she has chosen not to disclose specific details about the encounter. She shared screenshots of their conversations and a photograph of a bruise she claims was inflicted by Gatto, stating, “I got sexually assaulted by Joe Gatto, the Impractical Joker.” The post containing her allegations has garnered over eight million views.
In a statement released on March 22, 2023, Joe Gatto denied the allegations, emphasizing, “I have used poor judgment and as a result have violated the trust of the people I love most. But anyone who knows me at all knows full well that I wouldn’t assault anyone.” He acknowledged his past mistakes and expressed a commitment to personal growth, stating that he plans to take time away from the public eye to focus on addressing his issues.
Joe Gatto rose to fame as one of the original cast members of Impractical Jokers, a hit show that premiered in 2011 on truTV and developed a large following over its run. Gatto appeared in more than 240 episodes and even starred in a movie adaptation of the series. However, in 2021, he announced his departure from the show, citing personal issues and a separation from his wife, Bessy. In an Instagram post, he expressed his pride in the franchise but stated, “I have to step away. Bessy and I have decided to amicably part ways, so now I need to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible kids.”
In 2023, Gatto and Bessy reconciled, signaling a potential new chapter in their relationship. Following his departure, Gatto’s fellow cast members expressed their disbelief at the prospect of continuing Impractical Jokers without him, emphasizing their desire to maintain their connection with fans and their commitment to the show's legacy. As of now, Impractical Jokers is still airing and has entered its 11th season on TBS, continuing to entertain audiences with its unique blend of humor and pranks.
