Former “Impractical Jokers” star Joe Gatto has entered an inpatient treatment facility days after being accused of sexual assault and harassment, The Post can confirm.
The comedian, 48, has also chosen to cancel all of his upcoming tour dates, according to an insider.
“Having taken some time to reflect, I’ve decided to voluntarily enter an inpatient program to continue working on myself,” Gatto said in a statement to The Post.
“I just want to thank my friends, fans and especially my family for all of their support – never more so than over the last few days,” he added.
People was first to report the news.
Gatto’s decision to enter an inpatient treatment facility comes shortly after two women accused him of sexual misconduct.
On March 20, TikTok user “joozyb” posted a series of now-deleted videos accusing Gatto of sexually assaulting her in 2023, when she was 19.
In a statement to Page Six on Saturday, Gatto said, “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.”
He added, “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 next day, another woman, who claimed to have been one of Gatto’s former employees, came forward accusing him of sexual harassment.
The second woman, who said she worked for Gatto prior to his departure from “Impractical Jokers” in 2021, told People that she met the comedian at one of his live shows when she was 15. She claimed that once she turned 18 “his behavior shifted” and he became very flirtatious.
She reportedly started working for the comedian shortly after graduating from college. However, just before she began, one of Gatto’s former employees allegedly warned her that he could be “flirty and handsy.”
According to the woman, Gatto occasionally touched her inappropriately, asked for back massages, and frequently inquired about her sex life. She also alleged that he once invited her to his room and asked her to cuddle.
The woman said the comedian often bragged about being in an open relationship with his wife, Bessy, a claim she now believes to be false. The couple, who have two children, separated in 2021 after eight years of marriage but reconciled two years later.
Gatto also allegedly sent the woman private messages responding to her social media posts, telling her she was “hot” and acted possessive and jealous when she posted photos with her boyfriend.
After rejecting his advances, the woman claimed Gatto was rude to her at work, and she feared being fired.
If you have been sexually assaulted and live in New York, you can call 1-800-942-6906 for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the state, you can dial the 24/7 National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
