Impractical Jokers’ Joe Gatto refutes TikTok sexual assault allegations but admits past mistakes. Full story here.
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Did Joe Gatto confront the accusations of assault head-on?
In a statement to Page Six, the former member of the Impractical Jokers denied allegations that he had sexually assaulted a TikTok user in 2023, calling the allegations “false.”
He did, however, acknowledge that his “poor judgment” “broke trust” with loved ones.
“Anyone who knows me knows I wouldn’t assault someone,” Gatto declared, adding that he would take a break from the limelight to concentrate on his own development.
What caused the TikTok accusations to go viral?
In a video posted on March 20, a 19-year-old user (@joozyb) said that Gatto had beaten her following a comedy show in Milwaukee in September of last year.
She claimed that before and after the gig, they exchanged messages on Instagram, with the texts becoming “weird” as he allegedly pointed her in the direction of his hotel room.
She shared screenshots and pictures of them together, saying, “I was intoxicated.”
Was the evidence publicly shared by the accuser?
Indeed. She shared a TikTok montage of their exchanges, which included pictures of her bruises that she connected to the purported incident.
She claimed that Gatto had recently made amends with his wife, Bessy, before the incident, captioning one photo, “Yes he did S.A. me.”
According to Gatto’s previous remarks, the couple broke up in 2021 but got back together in 2023.
What role has Gatto’s private life played in this?
The accuser’s timeline now stands in sharp contrast to the comic’s reunion with Bessy, the mother of his two children, in 2023.
Last year, Gatto described his marriage as “hopeful,” but according to the accuser, the alleged assault happened months after they reconciled.
Supporters are divided; some are calling for accountability, while others are pointing to his denial.
Where can people who have survived find help?
RAINN.org and the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) provide assistance around-the-clock.
Advocates emphasize the significance of elevating survivor voices in the midst of intricate he-said-she-said narratives as the story progresses.
Quick Facts: Joe Gatto Allegations
- Denial: Gatto called claims “false” but acknowledged “poor judgment.”
- Accuser’s Story: TikTok user alleges assault after 2023 Milwaukee show.
- Evidence Shared: Screenshots, photos, and bruise images posted online.
- Marriage Timeline: Reconciled with wife Bessy in 2023 after 2021 split.
- Next Steps: Gatto taking hiatus from public life amid fallout.