Joe Gatto, best known for his time on Impractical Jokers, has denied a TikToker’s viral claim that he sexually assaulted her when she was 19 in 2023. The accusation came from TikTok user @joozyb, who shared her version of the events through a series of videos.
In his statement to TMZ, Joe expressed regret for past “poor judgment” but staunchly rejected the assault allegations, saying, “Anyone who knows me knows I wouldn’t assault anyone.” He also acknowledged the personal issues he has faced, explaining that he would be taking some time away from the public eye to focus on himself.
Joe’s departure from Impractical Jokers in January 2022, amid personal difficulties, was followed by an announcement of his separation from his wife of nearly a decade, Bessy Gatto. The couple reconciled in 2023.
The TikTok user claims that her first encounter with Joe occurred at a brunch where she and her mother asked for a photo. They later connected on Instagram, where she alleges Joe offered her two tickets and a meet-and-greet to his show at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee on September 8, 2023. Afterward, the TikToker says their conversation continued via Instagram DM, where Joe allegedly gave her directions to his hotel room.
The woman admitted to being drunk and claimed that an assault took place during their meeting. She posted a photo of a bruised area on her body and claimed that it was caused by Joe’s actions. She also mentioned that their direct messages were sent in “vanish mode,” disappearing after the conversation ended.
The controversy has left many questioning the situation, with both Joe and the TikTok user yet to provide further comments to TMZ.
