Joe Gatto, a well-known US comedian and former star of the prank show "Impractical Jokers," has found himself at the center of serious allegations. The 48-year-old entertainer departed the beloved kicked-show in 2021 after nine stellar seasons. A 25-year-old TikTok user has accused him of sexual assault. The accuser alleges that the harassment happened at a Milwaukee hotel during the 2023 ARPA Conference.
While Gatto has publicly denied any wrongdoing, his forceful rebuttals have come in response to these direct accusations. He fought back against the allegations in a remarkable statement sent to the US media. In the apology, he acknowledged making “poor judgment,” but adamantly insisted that no sexual assault occurred.
"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." – Joe Gatto
One such user, who remains anonymous, recently went viral on TikTok to recount her experience. She shared how a serendipitous encounter resulted in her being invited to one of Gatto’s stand-up performances. She accused Gatto of attacking her during their meeting.
"I got sexually assaulted by Joe Gatto, the Impractical Joker" – TikTok user
Gatto’s comments showed that he and the TikTok user had apparently made up in September 2023 after the incident in question. He accepted responsibility, at a personal level, for his own growth, and announced his desire to voluntarily retreat from public life for a season.
"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 Gatto
Over the course of his career, Gatto has been candid about his experiences on social media. And when he departed “Impractical Jokers” in 2021, it marked the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in comedy history. Fans had been entertained by his crazy stunts on the show for more than 10 years.
The underlying charges against Gatto are a part of this tangled web that has received national intrigue. None of us know yet how all of this will play out, personally for him or for the public’s knowledge of his record and motivations.
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