Joe Gatto Pauses Comedy Career to Enter Treatment Facility Amid Assault Allegations
Joe Gatto, formerly of the Impractical Jokers fame, has paused his comedy tour to check into a treatment center following multiple sexual assault allegations.
The entertainer, a key figure in the truTV comedy series from its start in 2011 until his exit in 2021, announced this decision in the wake of claims made by two different women, as reported by various media sources.
“After taking time for some self-reflection, I have chosen to enter an inpatient program voluntarily to further work on my personal development,” Gatto expressed, according to Variety. “I am deeply grateful for the support from my friends, fans, and family, now more than ever during this challenging period.”
The 48-year-old has canceled the remaining dates of his Let’s Get Into It tour, which included an upcoming show in San Antonio, Texas. The tour’s cancellation came shortly after the initial accusations surfaced on March 20, with a 19-year-old woman posting several TikTok videos alleging that Gatto sexually assaulted her in 2023. She claimed to have gone to his hotel room willingly after attending his show in Milwaukee and left after 2 a.m., showing images of bruises she said were from the assault. These videos have since been deleted from TikTok.
Another accuser later stepped forward, as People magazine reported on March 23. A former colleague accused Gatto of harassment during her tenure on Impractical Jokers. She claimed that Gatto began acting inappropriately towards her as soon as she turned 18, involving unwelcome physical touching and continuous flirtatious behavior. She also mentioned that a former employee had cautioned her about Gatto’s behavior before she took the job.
Before this second accusation was made public, Gatto addressed the initial claims on March 22, stating, “I have demonstrated poor judgment and consequently betrayed the trust of those I care about most,” as quoted by Variety. “However, anyone who truly knows me understands that I would never assault anyone. I am committed to improving myself, a journey that continues, and I will now step back from public life to concentrate on what matters most.”
Since his departure from Impractical Jokers three years ago, Gatto has been focusing on his stand-up comedy career. He recently launched his debut comedy special, Messing With People, which was released by 800 Pound Gorilla and YouTube.
Impractical Jokers, the show that catapulted Gatto to stardom, revolves around a group of lifelong friends who embarrass each other with daring public stunts, communicated through hidden earpieces. It remains on air with the remaining original members: James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn, and Sal Vulcano.
As of the latest updates, neither truTV nor Gatto’s former co-stars have made public comments regarding the allegations or his decision to seek treatment.
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