Former “Impractical Jokers” star Joe Gatto has issued a response after a woman posted a sexual assault allegation against the 48-year-old comedian over TikTok on Thursday.
“I have used poor judgment and as a result have violated the trust of the people I love most,” Gatto said in a statement. “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 was a founding member of truTV’s hit prank show “Impractical Jokers,” costarring alongside James Murray, Brian Quinn and Sal Vulcano. Starting in 2011, Gatto appeared in 244 episodes as well as “Impractical Jokers: The Movie” until his departure from the series in 2021.
“Sorry in advance for the long and more-serious-than-usual note below, I just wanted to let you all know that I will no longer be involved with ‘Impractical Jokers,’” Gatto wrote on Instagram at the time. “Alongside my friends, I’ve devoted a decade of my life to building this franchise and couldn’t be prouder of what has been accomplished. However, due to some issues in my personal life, I have to step away. 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.”
“Impractical Jokers” is currently on its 11th season and now airs on TBS. In Gatto’s absence, comedians like Eric André have filled the fourth cast slot.
