Joe Gatto is making headlines once again now that sexual assault allegations against him have surfaced. Three years prior, the comedian became a major topic when he announced his abrupt exit from Impractical Jokers amid his separation from wife Bessy Gatto. Now that startling accusations have come to light against Gatto, we’re breaking down everything we know so far about the situation below.
Who Is Joe Gatto?
Gatto is a 48-year-old comedian, actor and producer. As a former member of the comedy troupe known as the Tenderloins, he and his friends Sal Vulcano, James Murray and Brian Quinn got their big break with the television series Impractical Jokers in 2011.
The improv comedians found success in their TV show and grew their fan base over the years. However, the momentum changed in December 2021 when Gatto announced his departure from Impractical Jokers.
Why Did Joe Gatto Leave Impractical Jokers?
In December 2021, Gatto broke Impractical Jokers fans’ hearts when he revealed his departure from the series.
“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 in an Instagram post 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.”
The reason for Gatto’s exit was “due to some issues in [his] personal life,” which, at the time, was his separation from Bessy.
“However, due to some issues in my personal life, I have to step away,” Gatto’s statement continued. “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.”
What Are the Allegations Against Joe Gatto?
In March 2025, a woman shared videos on TikTok accusing Gatto of sexually assaulting her. She is 19 years old, per PEOPLE.
“I’ve been wanting to tell people this for so long,” she said. “I’ve like, tried in different ways, but it’s hard with somebody this big. [I’ve] come to the realization that if I do say something, that I’m really saying something.”
The woman alleged that she and Gatto met at a hotel following one of his shows in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in September 2023, which was when he “just got back together with his wife,” the TikTok user pointed out in one of her videos.
She shared in a separate TikTok post a photo of her right buttock with a large bruise. The woman claimed in the caption, “Yes, he did S.A. me. Yes he had JUST gotten back together with his wife. I’m sorry you guys don’t want to hear it but.”
In response to the woman’s allegations, Gatto told Page Six in a statement, “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.”
Is Joe Gatto Still Married to His Wife?
Despite announcing their separation, Gatto and his wife reconciled in 2023. That September, Gatto took to Instagram to confirm their reunion.
“10 years ago when we started out, I could have never imagined the absolute crazy ride with highs and lows our marriage has endured. But there was always love,” Gatto captioned his post. “And me knowing that there is no one else I’d want to be my person. I love your compassion, your resilience and your giggle. Thanks for this decade. And I’m happy and hopeful that we will be able to get a few more in because we have proven with compassion, forgiveness and an open heart we can do this. Together. Looking forward to more of it all, including laughing together, memory making with our incredible family and of course…dogs. Love you so much Mrs. Gatto.”
It’s unclear if Gatto and his wife are separating amid the sexual assault allegations. At the time of publication, neither of them has provided an update on their marital status.
If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, judgment-free support as well as local resources to assist in healing, recovering and more.
