Joe Gatto, well-known for his role in the hit TV show “Impractical Jokers,” is facing accusations of inappropriate behavior from a second woman, who is a former employee of the comedian. These allegations come in the wake of a previous claim of sexual assault made against Gatto by another woman. The initial allegations, which Gatto has denied, were brought forward by a TikTok user named joozyb, who accused the comedian of sexual assault when she was 19 years old. The latest accuser, who previously worked for Gatto during his time on “Impractical Jokers,” has described experiences of unwanted behaviours that she characterised as sexual harassment.
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The second woman, who chose to remain anonymous, shared that her interactions with Gatto took a disturbing turn after she turned 18. She claims that Gatto’s behaviour became overtly flirtatious and included inappropriate physical contact. According to her, Gatto would make advances, request back massages, and even invite her to his room or ask to cuddle. The woman also alleges that Gatto delved into personal aspects of her life, particularly her sexual relationships. These encounters left her feeling uncomfortable and pressured to engage in interactions she was not comfortable with, for fear of losing her job.
The former employee reported a pattern of behaviour where Gatto would boast about his open relationship with his wife, Bessy, but would privately make advances towards her. She claims that Gatto acted possessive and made her feel uncomfortable by commenting on her appearance and relationships. When she rejected his advances, she states that Gatto would exhibit rudeness towards her the following day at work. The woman recounts feeling emotionally manipulated throughout her time working for Gatto, leading to her decision to leave his employment in August 2021.
Adding to the allegations, the former employee disclosed an incident where Gatto allegedly made physical advances towards her during a work trip, further intensifying her discomfort. She also revealed instances where Gatto would joke about inappropriate behaviours in the workplace, such as taking girls up a freight elevator to avoid public areas. These revelations resonate with similar accusations made by joozyb, who claimed to have been sexually assaulted by Gatto during a show in Milwaukee in September 2023.
In response to the growing allegations, Gatto issued a statement to Page Six acknowledging his past poor judgement and the breach of trust it caused. The comedian expressed a commitment to self-improvement and announced his decision to take a step back from the public eye to focus on personal development. The gravity of these allegations raises concerns about workplace harassment and the abuse of power dynamics in the entertainment industry.
As more individuals come forward with their stories, it is essential for authorities to investigate the allegations thoroughly and ensure that appropriate actions are taken in response to any misconduct. The courage of these women in speaking out against inappropriate behaviours highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their public persona. The impact of these allegations goes beyond the realm of entertainment and underscores the urgent need for a safe and respectful work environment for all individuals.