Joe Gatto from ‘Impractical Jokers’ Addresses Sexual Assault Allegation: “I’ve Made Mistakes, But I’m Not Guilty”

Joe Gatto, known for his role in Impractical Jokers, is facing serious allegations after a woman claimed he sexually assaulted her. In response, Gatto stated, “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.”

The accusations come from a TikTok user named joozyb, who alleges that Gatto assaulted her when she was 19, following one of his shows in Milwaukee in September 2023. In her video, she expressed her pain, saying, “I got sexually assaulted by Joe Gatto, the Impractical Joker.” She explained that sharing her story publicly had been a long time coming.

Joozyb shared what she says are screenshots of their private messages. After receiving meet-and-greet passes from Gatto, she claims the conversation took a darker turn when he invited her to his hotel room. She posted photos showing bruises she attributes to the incident, stating that they were caused by Gatto.

“I’ve been wanting to tell people this for so long,” she said in her video, emphasizing the difficulty of speaking out against someone with Gatto’s fame.

This situation has sparked a significant reaction on social media. Many users are expressing their disbelief while others support the alleged victim. The conversation touches on broader issues surrounding celebrity accountability and the challenges survivors face when coming forward.

To add further context, a study published by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center shows that approximately 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have been raped at some point in their lives. This highlights the importance of speaking out and seeking help.

If you or someone you know needs support, resources are available to help, such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or their online chat service.

This unfolding story is a reminder of the vital discussions around consent, accountability, and the courage it takes for survivors to share their experiences.

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