Impractical Jokers’ Star Joe Gatto Accused of Sexual Assault: The Allegations Explained

Joe Gatto, best known for his time on Impractical Jokers, has recently faced serious allegations that have shocked fans. The comedian, who was a key member of the show from 2011 to 2021, is now in the spotlight for troubling reasons. This article delves into the allegations, his response, and the impact on his career.

What Are the Allegations Against Joe Gatto?

On March 20, 2025, a woman came forward on TikTok, accusing Joe Gatto of sexual assault. The now-deleted videos claimed that Gatto assaulted her in 2023 when she was 19 years old. According to her statements, she met him in Milwaukee while attending one of his comedy shows. The woman alleged that they had exchanged messages on Instagram before and after the event, and she shared screenshots of their conversations as part of her claims.

She further stated that Gatto’s texts became inappropriate, and he later invited her to his hotel room, where the alleged assault took place. The accusations quickly went viral, leading to widespread online discussions and media coverage.

Joe Gatto’s Response to the Allegations

Following the accusations, Joe Gatto issued a public statement denying any criminal wrongdoing. In a response to Page Six, he acknowledged making poor personal choices but firmly denied assault allegations.

“I have used poor judgment and, as a result, have violated the trust of the people I love most,” he stated. “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.”

However, as the controversy unfolded, another woman stepped forward with additional claims of misconduct.

Additional Allegations Against Joe Gatto

Shortly after the first accusation, a second woman came forward in an interview with People, alleging that Gatto engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her while working on Impractical Jokers. She claimed to have met Gatto at one of his shows when she was 15, and that by the time she turned 18, his behavior had become increasingly flirtatious.

The woman alleged that Gatto would request back massages, invite her to his room to cuddle, and frequently inquire about her sex life. She further claimed that when she rejected his advances, he would become dismissive and manipulative. This alleged emotional manipulation reportedly continued for two years before she eventually left the show.

When reached for comment, Gatto did not directly respond to these claims but referred to his earlier statement denying any criminal conduct.

Why Did Joe Gatto Cancel His Tour?

Amid the growing controversy, Joe Gatto announced that he was stepping away from his comedy tour and seeking treatment.

“Having taken some time to reflect, I’ve decided to voluntarily enter an inpatient program to continue working on myself,” Gatto shared. “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.”

The decision to cancel his tour came after pressure mounted from both fans and critics, with many calling for accountability.

Joe Gatto’s Departure from Impractical Jokers

Joe Gatto left Impractical Jokers in late 2021, citing personal reasons, including his separation from his wife, Bessy Gatto. At the time, he announced his exit via Instagram, stating:

“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.”

While his departure initially seemed unrelated to any controversy, recent allegations have led many to speculate whether other factors influenced his decision to leave the show.

Did Joe Gatto Reconcile with His Wife?

Despite their 2021 separation, Joe Gatto and his wife, Bessy, rekindled their relationship in 2023. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Gatto reflected on their decade-long marriage and their efforts to rebuild their bond.

“[Ten] years ago when we started out, I could have never imagined the absolute crazy ride with highs and lows our marriage has endured,” he wrote. “But there was always love. And me knowing that there is no one else I’d want to be my person.”

While Bessy has not publicly addressed the recent allegations against her husband, their reconciliation suggests that they were working through past challenges before the controversy erupted.

Will Joe Gatto Return to Impractical Jokers?

Since leaving the show, Joe Gatto has focused on his solo comedy career. In 2025, he released a Hulu special titled Messing With People. When asked if he would ever return to Impractical Jokers, he made it clear that he has no plans to rejoin the series.

“It does not feel right, and I cannot commit to coming back to it,” Gatto told The Wrap. “I’ve moved on from the show, and the show has moved on from me.”

However, he left the door open for a potential reunion in the future.

“I would, of course, love to close it in a fun way,” he added. “We talked about that a little bit. I would say it is definitely not the end of me collaborating with those guys. We’ve been doing it for decades before that, and we will be doing it for decades after.”

The Future of Joe Gatto

As the allegations against Joe Gatto continue to circulate, his career remains uncertain. With his tour canceled and his reputation under scrutiny, it remains to be seen how he will navigate these challenges.

For now, Gatto has chosen to step back from the public eye and focus on personal growth. Whether he will make a return to entertainment depends largely on how these allegations unfold in the coming months.

Final Thoughts

Joe Gatto, once a beloved figure on Impractical Jokers, now faces serious accusations that could permanently alter his career. While he has denied the claims, the controversy continues to grow, leaving fans divided. As more details emerge, the public will be watching closely to see how this situation develops.