In a troubling turn of events, Joe Gatto, the well-known star of the comedy show “Impractical Jokers,” has announced he is entering a treatment facility following serious allegations of sexual assault and harassment. The news comes as Gatto cancels all upcoming tour dates, including performances scheduled in Tampa and Sarasota, Florida, on May 17 and 18, 2025, respectively.
According to reports from People and Variety, Gatto released a statement saying, “Having taken some time to reflect, I’ve decided to voluntarily enter an inpatient program to continue working on myself.” He expressed gratitude towards his friends, fans, and family for their support, particularly in light of the recent allegations.
The scandal began to unfold on March 20, 2025, when a TikTok user claimed in a now-deleted video that Gatto sexually assaulted her when she was just 19 years old. The woman, who posted under the handle @joozyb, alleged that the incident occurred after one of Gatto's shows in Milwaukee in September 2023. She shared that they had met earlier that day at a restaurant, where she had asked him for a photo, and later began messaging on Instagram. In her video, she recounted how Gatto invited her to his hotel room, claiming that “some stuff happened” after she arrived.
In response to these allegations, Gatto denied any wrongdoing but acknowledged that he had made poor judgments that violated the trust of those closest to him. In his statement, he said, “Anyone who knows me at all knows full well that I wouldn’t assault anyone.”
Just days after the initial claim, another woman, who previously worked with Gatto on “Impractical Jokers,” came forward with her own allegations. She described a pattern of unwanted and inappropriate behavior during her two-year tenure on the show, which Gatto left in 2021. The unnamed woman claimed that Gatto often inquired about her sex life, requested back massages, and once even grabbed her in an elevator. She noted that she was warned by other staff members that Gatto could be “handsy” and would tell inappropriate jokes.
As the allegations gained traction, Gatto's representatives did not provide further comments beyond his initial statement. The fallout from these accusations has led to significant changes in Gatto's personal and professional life, including the cancellation of his comedy tour.
“Impractical Jokers,” which Gatto starred in alongside James 'Murr' Murray, Sal Vulcano, and Brian 'Q' Quinn, has been a staple of comedy television since its debut in 2011. Gatto's departure from the show in 2021 was attributed to personal issues, including his separation from his wife, Bessy. However, by September 2023, the couple had reconciled, with Gatto expressing his appreciation for their enduring love on social media.
In light of the recent allegations, Gatto's future in comedy remains uncertain. He had previously released a Hulu special titled “Messing With People” in 2025 and has stated he does not plan to return to “Impractical Jokers.” “It does not feel right, and I cannot commit to coming back to it,” he remarked, although he expressed openness to possibly participating in a series finale if the show concludes.
As the investigation continues and more details emerge, Gatto’s situation serves as a reminder of the complex issues surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry. The public's response to such allegations often leads to broader discussions about accountability and the treatment of women in the workplace.
The allegations against Gatto highlight the ongoing challenges faced by victims of sexual assault and harassment, and the importance of addressing such claims seriously. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, resources are available, including the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) and RAINN’s website at rainn.org.
As this story develops, fans and followers of Gatto are left to grapple with the implications of these serious allegations and the impact they may have on his career and personal life.
