Former “Impractical Jokers” star Joe Gatto has been accused of sexual assault.
TikTok consumer Joozyb claimed in a March 20 video that she was sexually assaulted by the comic, 48, when she was 19 years previous in 2023.
Gatto denied the accusation in a press release to Web page Six on Saturday.
“I have used poor judgment and as a result have violated the trust of the people I love most,” stated Gatto. “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,” Gatto continued.
The Publish has reached out to Gatto for remark.
In a collection of TikToks, Gatto’s accuser claimed they met at one among his exhibits in Milwaukee in September 2023.
Joozyb shared screenshots of the pair’s alleged DM exchanges on Instagram, the place Gatto allegedly advised her that he was giving her “two meet greet passes” so she might come backstage. Joozyb additionally posted a photograph of her and Gatto collectively.
“I was drunk, whatever, and he was texting me all this stuff,” Joozyb stated in one among her movies. “And, like, it was starting to get a little weird, you know?”
Joozyb claimed that after the present Gatto began placing his Instagram messages on vanish mode. She stated that in these messages, he allegedly advised her learn how to get to his lodge room, the place the alleged assault occurred.
In one other TikTok, Joozyb confirmed off a bruise on her bottom and wrote, “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…”
Gatto cut up from his spouse, Bessy, in 2021 after eight years of marriage, which sparked his choice to give up “Impractical Jokers.”
“Due to some issues in my personal life, I have to step away,” he wrote on Instagram on the time. “Bessy and I have decided to amicably part ways, so now I need to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible kids.”
Bessy, who shares two children with Gatto, stated in her personal assertion, “Although we will no longer be a couple, we will always be a family to our beautiful kids and we look forward to co-parenting together. We ask that you please respect our privacy as we navigate this new chapter together.”
However in Sept. 2023, Gatto introduced that he and Bessy determined to reconcile.
“Ten years ago when we started out, I could have never imagined the absolute crazy ride with highs and lows our marriage has endured,” the comic stated on Instagram. “But there was always love. And me knowing that there is no one else I’d want to be my person.”
Gatto added, “We have proven with compassion, forgiveness and an open heart we can do this. Together.”
