Joe Gatto, widely recognized for his role in the show Impractical Jokers, has publicly addressed serious allegations of sexual assault made against him by a TikTok user. The allegations were initially brought to light on March 20, when the TikTok user, who goes by the handle joozyb, stated that Gatto had assaulted her during an encounter in Wisconsin in September 2023.

Gatto’s Response

In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, Gatto admitted to having exercised poor judgment in the past. He said, “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. Working on myself is an ongoing process, and I am now going to take some time away from the public eye to focus my energies where I need to.”

Details of Allegations

The TikTok user, who claimed to be 19 years old at the time, described her interactions with Gatto, noting that they communicated through direct messages on Instagram. According to her, their conversation took a troubling turn, particularly as she mentioned, “I was drunk, whatever, and he was texting me all this stuff. And, like, it was starting to get a little weird.”

She further alleged that Gatto invited her to his hotel room, where “some stuff happened.” In a subsequent TikTok post, she declared, “Yes he did S.A me. yes he had JUST gotten back together with his wife.”

Background and Career Transition

Previously, in 2021, Gatto had announced his departure from Impractical Jokers citing personal life struggles. He acknowledged in his farewell message, “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.” Gatto has confirmed his intention to focus on co-parenting his children with his wife Bessy, with whom he had reconciled earlier this year after a brief separation.

Conclusion

Gatto’s situation sheds light on the complexities surrounding personal accountability amidst public scrutiny. As he takes time away from the limelight to address these serious allegations and focus on personal growth, many in the entertainment community and his fanbase will be watching closely.