Impractical Jokers star Joe Gatto enters facility and axes tour after being accused of sexual assault by multiple women
IMPRACTICAL Jokers star Joe Gatto has entered a facility and axed a tour, after being accused of sexual assault by multiple women.
Joseph Anthony Gatto, popularly known as Joe Gatto, is a comedian and actor on truTV’s Impractical Jokers.
The 48-year-old was reported to have an estimated net worth of about $20 million in 2022, with the Staten-Island-born actor known to have accumulated his worth through his acting and comedy career.
But Joe has now cancelled his upcoming tour, after allegations regarding him went viral on TikTok over the weekend.
In a statement to People Magazine, Joe said: “Having taken some time to reflect, l’ve decided to voluntarily enter an inpatient program to continue working on myself.
“I just want to thank my friends, fans and especially my family for all of their support — never more so than over the last few days.”
Over the weekend, a TikTok user accused the comedian of sexual assault.
“I got sexually assaulted by Joe Gatto, the Impractical Joker,” they claimed, and shared a video that accumulated millions of views.
The TikToker said they’d met in 2023 in Milwaukee, and claimed they’d been texting each other after she approached him in a restaurant in the hopes of bagging a free ticket to his show.
They went on to allege that Joe gave her the tickets, and then they continued to text each other after the gig.
The girl, 19 at the time, has shared alleged texts the comedian sent her as well as claiming he bruised her, which she shared an image of too.
People Magazine also report that a second accuser, who was employed by the star, said he inappropriately grabbed her.
Joe has denied the allegations, and said in a statement: “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.”
Joe married his ex-wife Bessy in 2013. They later announced their split in 2021.
His wife confirmed their separation on Instagram when she stated: “With love and respect, we have decided to separate. Although we will no longer be a couple, we will always be a family to our beautiful kids and we look forward to co-parenting together.”
Bessy added: “We ask that you please respect our privacy as we navigate this new chapter together. And of course, we will still continue to help animals and rescue dogs, which is something we are both passionate about!”
After starring in Impractical Jokers since 2011, Joe decided to leave the show in 2021.
In announcing his departure on New Year’s Eve in 2021, Joe stated on Instagram that: “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.”
He added: “However, due to some issues in my personal life, 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 thanking his co-stars, he stated: “I am very thankful to have worked with each and every one of them.”
Along with Joe, Brian Quinn, James Murray, and Sal Vulcano make up the team behind Impractical Jokers.