
‘Impractical Jokers’ star cancels tour after sexual assault allegations
By Kennedy Felton (Lifestyle Correspondent)
- Comedian Joe Gatto has canceled his comedy tour and is entering an inpatient facility after two women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior. One accuser, a TikTok user, alleged an assault in 2023, while a former employee described inappropriate comments and possessive behavior.
- Gatto responded by denying the assault allegations but admitted to poor judgment and announced his decision to step away from the public eye to focus on self-improvement.
- He confirmed his plans to voluntarily enter an inpatient program and thanked his friends, fans and family for their support.
Full Story
Comedian Joe Gatto is canceling his comedy tour and entering an inpatient facility. The decision comes after two women publicly accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior.
Media Landscape
See how news outlets across the political spectrum are covering this story. Learn moreBias Summary
- Joe Gatto faced sexual assault allegations after a woman posted videos on TikTok claiming he assaulted her in a Milwaukee hotel in September 2023.
- In response to the allegations, Gatto stated, "I have used poor judgment and, as a result, have violated the trust of the people I love most."
- Earlier this year, Gatto mentioned that he has no plans to return to "Impractical Jokers," saying, "It does not feel right, and I cannot commit to coming back to it."
- In 2021, Gatto left "Impractical Jokers," citing personal life issues, but he later reconciled with his wife in 2023.
- Joe Gatto, formerly of "Impractical Jokers," faced allegations of sexual assault made by a TikTok user named joozyb on March 20, regarding a show in Milwaukee in September 2023.
- Gatto left "Impractical Jokers" in 2021, citing personal issues, including separating from his wife Bessy after eight years of marriage.
- The TikTok user, who claimed to be 19 at the time, said she met Gatto in Wisconsin and shared screenshots of direct messages and a photo of a bruise she alleges was inflicted by him.
- In a statement provided on Sunday to USA TODAY and Fox News Digital, Gatto stated, "I have used poor judgment and as a result have violated the trust of the people I love most," but also asserted, "But anyone who knows me at all knows full well that I wouldn't assault anyone."
- Gatto announced he would be taking time away from the public eye to focus on personal matters, casting doubt on his remaining tour dates –– though no official cancellation has been announced –– and expressed gratitude to fans and crew members for their support over the past decade.
- A woman named @joozyb accused Joe Gatto of sexual assault occurring in September 2023 in Milwaukee, stating, "I got sexually assaulted by Joe Gatto."
- Gatto responded, saying, "I have used poor judgment and as a result have violated the trust of the people I love most," while denying the claims.
- Gatto announced his departure from "Impractical Jokers" to focus on his personal issues.
- The woman shared videos and text messages, claiming Gatto invited her to his hotel room after she had been drinking.
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Gatto, 48, is best known for co-starring on truTV’s “Impractical Jokers” from 2011 to 2021.
TikTok user alleges sexual assault in 2023
On Thursday, a TikTok user by the name @joozyb posted a series of videos detailing her experience. She alleges Gatto sexually assaulted her in 2023 when she was 19 years old.
According to her, the alleged assault happened in a hotel room following one of his shows. She supported her claims by sharing photos of bruises and screenshots of Instagram direct messages, which she says were exchanged with Gatto.

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Gatto responds to allegations
In a statement to Page Six, Gatto responded to the allegations.
“I have used poor judgment and as a result have violated the trust of the people I love most,” he said. “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.”
Former employee accuses Gatto of inappropriate behavior
Days later, People reported that a second woman — one of Gatto’s former employees — also came forward.
She says she first met Gatto at one of his comedy shows when she was 15 years old. When she turned 18, she alleges his behavior toward her shifted and became more flirtatious.
Before beginning her job, she claims one of Gatto’s former employees warned her. She was allegedly told Gatto often made inappropriate jokes and to “shut it down” if he ever crossed the line.
The woman alleges Gatto often questioned her about her sex life. She says he replied to her social media posts with comments like “hot” and acted possessive when she posted photos with her boyfriend.
When she didn’t flirt back, she claimed Gatto would be rude to her at work the next day.
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Gatto enters inpatient program, cancels tour
In a statement to USA Today, Gatto confirmed he is voluntarily entering an inpatient treatment program. He did not disclose what kind of treatment he would receive.
“Having taken some time to reflect, I’ve decided to voluntarily enter an in-patient program to continue working on myself,” he said. “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.”
An insider also confirmed Gatto is canceling all of his upcoming tour dates.
Media Landscape
See how news outlets across the political spectrum are covering this story. Learn moreBias Summary
- Joe Gatto faced sexual assault allegations after a woman posted videos on TikTok claiming he assaulted her in a Milwaukee hotel in September 2023.
- In response to the allegations, Gatto stated, "I have used poor judgment and, as a result, have violated the trust of the people I love most."
- Earlier this year, Gatto mentioned that he has no plans to return to "Impractical Jokers," saying, "It does not feel right, and I cannot commit to coming back to it."
- In 2021, Gatto left "Impractical Jokers," citing personal life issues, but he later reconciled with his wife in 2023.
- Joe Gatto, formerly of "Impractical Jokers," faced allegations of sexual assault made by a TikTok user named joozyb on March 20, regarding a show in Milwaukee in September 2023.
- Gatto left "Impractical Jokers" in 2021, citing personal issues, including separating from his wife Bessy after eight years of marriage.
- The TikTok user, who claimed to be 19 at the time, said she met Gatto in Wisconsin and shared screenshots of direct messages and a photo of a bruise she alleges was inflicted by him.
- In a statement provided on Sunday to USA TODAY and Fox News Digital, Gatto stated, "I have used poor judgment and as a result have violated the trust of the people I love most," but also asserted, "But anyone who knows me at all knows full well that I wouldn't assault anyone."
- Gatto announced he would be taking time away from the public eye to focus on personal matters, casting doubt on his remaining tour dates –– though no official cancellation has been announced –– and expressed gratitude to fans and crew members for their support over the past decade.
- A woman named @joozyb accused Joe Gatto of sexual assault occurring in September 2023 in Milwaukee, stating, "I got sexually assaulted by Joe Gatto."
- Gatto responded, saying, "I have used poor judgment and as a result have violated the trust of the people I love most," while denying the claims.
- Gatto announced his departure from "Impractical Jokers" to focus on his personal issues.
- The woman shared videos and text messages, claiming Gatto invited her to his hotel room after she had been drinking.
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Bias Distribution
Left
Right
Untracked Bias
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