Joe Gatto, the former star of the hit comedy series Impractical Jokers, is facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct that have sent shockwaves through his fanbase. Over the past week, multiple women have come forward with claims of inappropriate behavior, leading Gatto to announce his decision to enter treatment and cancel his upcoming comedy tour.
The controversy began on March 20, 2025, when a TikTok user known as "joozyb" accused Gatto of sexual assault in a video that has since been deleted. She alleged that the incident occurred after a "Meet & Greet" event, where Gatto reportedly invited her to his hotel room. In her video, she claimed, "Yes he did S.A me. yes he had JUST gotten back together with his wife. I'm sorry you guys don’t want to hear it but." This revelation marked the beginning of a media storm surrounding the comedian.
In response to these allegations, Gatto issued a public statement saying, "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. 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." He also expressed gratitude to his friends, family, and fans for their support during this tumultuous time.
Just a day after the first allegation surfaced, another woman, a former employee of Gatto, came forward with her own accusations. She claimed that during her two years working closely with him, he engaged in harassment and emotional manipulation. In an interview with People, she stated that Gatto had grabbed her on multiple occasions and harassed her on social media.
The situation escalated further when two teenage girls, Grace Kennedy and Brianna Ochoa, shared their experiences with Gatto in a 10-minute TikTok video. They accused him of encouraging them to kiss and lift their tops during encounters after his shows. In the video, they detailed how Gatto had sent them messages asking for nude photos and invited them to his hotel room in December 2024. They claimed the messages were sent in "vanish mode," suggesting that Gatto was aware of the inappropriate nature of his requests.
In one of the exchanges, Gatto allegedly told them, "Too cold for a skirt or leggings... I'm sure you won't disappoint. Wear the pjs you're in." Grace described how Gatto urged them to kiss, stating, "Stuff started getting weird because he was telling us to kiss." Brianna added, "Basically, he told us to kiss three times in a row. Not make out or anything. Like a peck." They also recounted an awkward moment where Gatto fed Brianna a mango with his fingers.
As the allegations mounted, Gatto's comedy tour, titled "Let’s Get Into It," was abruptly canceled, and the dates were removed from ticket-selling sites. On March 26, Gatto announced that he had entered an inpatient program for treatment, stating, "Having taken some time to reflect, I’ve decided to voluntarily enter an inpatient program to continue working on myself." He emphasized the importance of focusing on personal growth during this challenging time.
These allegations have not only impacted Gatto's career but have also raised serious questions about the behavior of public figures and the accountability they face. The accusations against him have sparked discussions about the dynamics of power and consent, especially in the entertainment industry.
Gatto, who was married to Bessy Gatto since 2013 and has two children, faced scrutiny not only for his alleged actions but also for the stark contrast between his public persona and the allegations against him. The couple briefly separated in 2022 but reconciled nearly two years later. As the allegations continue to unfold, many are left wondering how this will affect his family and career moving forward.
In light of these events, it is crucial to acknowledge the broader implications of such allegations. The #MeToo movement has brought to light numerous instances of misconduct in various industries, prompting a reevaluation of how society perceives and addresses claims of sexual harassment and assault.
For those affected by similar issues, resources are available. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org for support.
As the situation develops, Gatto's future remains uncertain, and the entertainment community watches closely to see how this will unfold. The allegations serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the ongoing conversation surrounding consent and respect in all interactions.
