'Impractical Jokers' Star Joe Gatto Seeks Treatment At In-Patient Facilty Amid Sexual Assault Allegation
Joe Gatto is entering an in-patient treatment after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct.
The "Impractical Jokers" star canceled all upcoming tour dates, stating he's focusing on personal growth.
This comes after allegations surfaced by a TikTok user who claimed that Joe Gatto assaulted her in 2023 after an event.
Gatto is stepping away from the spotlight to seek professional help following sexual assault and harassment allegations from multiple women.
In a statement, the "Impractical Jokers" star, 48, announced he is voluntarily entering an in-patient treatment program to focus on personal growth.
"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."
A source confirmed to People Magazine that all of Gatto's upcoming tour dates have been canceled as he prioritizes his well-being.
Sexual assault and harassment allegations against Gatto surfaced on March 20, when a TikTok user known as "joozyb" alleged that the comedian assaulted her when she was 19, though the videos were later deleted.
"I got sexually assaulted by Joe Gatto, the 'Impractical Joker,'" she wrote in the now-viral post.
In a second video, the accuser claimed the alleged incident occurred at a hotel following Gatto's stand-up show in Milwaukee in September 2023, shortly after he had reconciled with his wife.
She did not provide explicit details about the alleged assault but stated that "some stuff happened."
To support her claims, she shared screenshots of a DM exchange in which the "Misery Index" alum allegedly arranged for her to receive "two meet and greet passes" and complimented her appearance.
According to the alleged victim, they first met earlier that day at a brunch, where she admitted to "fangirling" over him.
She claimed they continued exchanging Instagram messages before and after the show.
Gatto's accuser alleged that while she was intoxicated, their conversation became increasingly uncomfortable, saying: "I was drunk, whatever, and he was texting me all this stuff. And, like, it was starting to get a little weird, you know."
As further evidence, she shared a photo of them posing together. She also claimed that Gatto placed their DMs on vanish mode to erase messages and provided her with details about his hotel stay.
Expressing her hesitation about coming forward, she stated, "I've been wanting to tell people this for so long. It's hard with someone this big. I've like, tried in different ways, but it's hard with somebody this big. [I've] come to the realization that if I do say something, that I'm really saying something."
Days after the first allegation of sexual assault, a former employee who worked with Gatto on "Impractical Jokers" accused him of inappropriate behavior in 2021, describing it as sexual harassment.
The second accuser told the news outlet she first met him at a live show when she was 15. She alleged that once she turned 18, Gatto's behavior became flirtatious.
The accuser shared that before starting her job after college, a former employee warned her that Gatto could be overly friendly and touchy.
While working for him, she claimed he occasionally grabbed her inappropriately, requested back massages, and once invited her to his room to cuddle.
Gatto's accuser also alleged that he frequently asked about her sex life. The accuser claimed that Gatto often boasted about being in an open relationship with his wife, Bessy.
According to People, she claimed that Gatto privately messaged her on social media, calling her "hot," and displayed jealousy when she posted pictures with her boyfriend.
If she rejected his advances or refused to flirt, she claimed he would act cold and dismissive at work the next day.
The alleged victim described constantly feeling the need to keep him in a good mood, fearing retaliation or job loss. The accuser believes Gatto's alleged behavior was part of a broader pattern of emotional manipulation.
Gatto and his wife, Bessy, tied the knot in 2013. However, the couple announced their separation in 2022, but in 2023, they reconciled.
Sharing the news, the comedian took to Instagram at the time to post a beachside photo of them smiling together.
In the caption, he reflected on their journey, writing: "10 years ago when we started out, I could have never imagined the absolute crazy ride with highs and lows our marriage has endured."
He continued: "But there was always love. And me knowing that there is no one else I'd want to be my person. I love your compassion, your resilience, and your giggle. Thanks for this decade."
"And I'm happy and hopeful that we will be able to get a few more in because we have proven with compassion, forgiveness, and an open heart we can do this. Together. Looking forward to more of it all, including laughing together, memory making with our incredible family, and of course…dogs," Gatto added, per People.
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