Joe Gatto, known for his role on “Impractical Jokers,” has publicly responded to serious allegations of sexual assault brought forward by a TikTok user. In his statement, Gatto acknowledged past mistakes yet firmly denied the accusations against him.

Details of the Allegations

The claims surfaced in a series of TikTok videos posted on March 20 by a user named joozyb, who alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Gatto during a meeting in Wisconsin in September 2023. At the time of the incident, she was reportedly 19 years old.

In her videos, the individual recounted her interactions with Gatto, which began through private messages on Instagram. She expressed concern about the nature of their conversations, stating, “I was drunk, whatever, and he was texting me all this stuff. And, like, it was starting to get a little weird, you know.”

She further claimed that Gatto invited her to his hotel room, where “some stuff happened.”

Gatto’s Response

In response to the allegations, Gatto issued a statement to Fox News Digital, 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.”

Background on Joe Gatto

Joe Gatto previously announced his departure from “Impractical Jokers” in 2022, citing personal issues and family responsibilities. He separated from his wife, Bessy, in 2021, though they later reconciled in 2023.

Reflecting on his time with the show, Gatto expressed pride in the achievements he and his co-stars made over the past decade: “Alongside my friends, I’ve devoted a decade of my life to building this franchise and couldn’t be prouder of what has been accomplished.” He emphasized the importance of his family and the need to prioritize being a father to his children.

Future Considerations

Following these allegations, Gatto has committed to taking time for personal reflection and growth. He concluded his statement to fans by expressing gratitude for their support over the years, stating, “To all of the amazing fans, thank you for allowing me to make you laugh with Jokers.”