Joe Gatto Seeks Treatment At In-Patient Facilty Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Joe Gatto is coming into an in-patient remedy after a number of ladies accused him of sexual misconduct.

The “Impractical Jokers” star canceled all upcoming tour dates, stating he is specializing in private development.

This comes after allegations surfaced by a TikTok consumer who claimed that Joe Gatto assaulted her in 2023 after an occasion.

Gatto is stepping away from the highlight to hunt skilled assist following sexual assault and harassment allegations from a number of ladies.

In a press release, the “Impractical Jokers” star, 48, introduced he’s voluntarily coming into an in-patient remedy program to give attention to private development.

“Having taken a while to replicate, I’ve determined to voluntarily enter an in-patient program to proceed engaged on myself,” he stated. “I simply need to thank my pals, followers, and particularly my household for all of their assist — by no means extra so than over the previous few days.”

A supply confirmed to People Magazine that each one of Gatto’s upcoming tour dates have been canceled as he prioritizes his well-being.

Sexual assault and harassment allegations in opposition to Gatto surfaced on March 20, when a TikTok consumer often known as “joozyb” alleged that the comic assaulted her when she was 19, although the movies had been later deleted.

“I received sexually assaulted by Joe Gatto, the ‘Impractical Joker,'” she wrote within the now-viral submit.

In a second video, the accuser claimed the alleged incident occurred at a lodge following Gatto’s stand-up present in Milwaukee in September 2023, shortly after he had reconciled together with his spouse.

She didn’t present specific particulars concerning the alleged assault however acknowledged that “some stuff occurred.”

To assist her claims, she shared screenshots of a DM change through which the “Distress Index” alum allegedly organized for her to obtain “two meet and greet passes” and complimented her look.

In keeping with the alleged sufferer, they first met earlier that day at a brunch, the place she admitted to “fangirling” over him.

She claimed they continued exchanging Instagram messages earlier than and after the present.

Gatto’s accuser alleged that whereas she was intoxicated, their dialog grew to become more and more uncomfortable, saying: “I used to be drunk, no matter, and he was texting me all these things. And, like, it was beginning to get slightly bizarre, .”

As additional proof, she shared a photograph of them posing collectively. She additionally claimed that Gatto positioned their DMs on vanish mode to erase messages and supplied her with particulars about his lodge keep.

Expressing her hesitation about coming ahead, she acknowledged, “I have been wanting to inform folks this for thus lengthy. It is arduous with somebody this large. I’ve like, tried in numerous methods, but it surely’s arduous with anyone this large. [I’ve] come to the conclusion that if I do say one thing, that I am actually saying one thing.”

Days after the primary allegation of sexual assault, a former worker who labored with Gatto on “Impractical Jokers” accused him of inappropriate habits in 2021, describing it as sexual harassment.

The second accuser instructed the information outlet she first met him at a reside present when she was 15. She alleged that when she turned 18, Gatto’s habits grew to become flirtatious.

The accuser shared that earlier than beginning her job after school, a former worker warned her that Gatto might be overly pleasant and sensitive.

Whereas working for him, she claimed he often grabbed her inappropriately, requested again massages, and as soon as invited her to his room to cuddle.

Gatto’s accuser additionally alleged that he steadily requested about her intercourse life. The accuser claimed that Gatto typically boasted about being in an open relationship together with his spouse, Bessy.

In keeping with People, she claimed that Gatto privately messaged her on social media, calling her “scorching,” and displayed jealousy when she posted footage along with her boyfriend.

If she rejected his advances or refused to flirt, she claimed he would act chilly and dismissive at work the subsequent day.

The alleged sufferer described continually feeling the necessity to maintain him in temper, fearing retaliation or job loss. The accuser believes Gatto’s alleged habits was a part of a broader sample of emotional manipulation.

Gatto and his spouse, Bessy, tied the knot in 2013. Nevertheless, the couple introduced their separation in 2022, however in 2023, they reconciled.

Sharing the information, the comic took to Instagram on the time to submit a beachside photograph of them smiling collectively.

Within the caption, he mirrored on their journey, writing: “10 years in the past once we began out, I may have by no means imagined absolutely the loopy journey with highs and lows our marriage has endured.”

He continued: “However there was all the time love. And me figuring out that there is no such thing as a one else I might need to be my individual. I like your compassion, your resilience, and your giggle. Thanks for this decade.”

“And I am blissful and hopeful that we will get a couple of extra in as a result of we’ve confirmed with compassion, forgiveness, and an open coronary heart we will do that. Collectively. Wanting ahead to extra of all of it, together with laughing collectively, reminiscence making with our unimaginable household, and naturally…canine,” Gatto added, per People.