AceShowbiz - Joe Gatto, known for his role in TV show "Impractical Jokers", has recently found himself in the spotlight for reasons far from humorous. A TikTok user who goes by the handle joozyb has accused Gatto of sexually assaulting her when she was 19 years old, during an incident in Milwaukee in September 2023.

According to the accuser, the alleged assault took place in a hotel after one of Gatto's shows. In a video that went viral, joozyb shared screenshots of direct messages purportedly exchanged with Gatto.

These DMs, which were reportedly put in vanish mode by Gatto, include meet and greet passes and a compliment on her appearance. She also shared a photo of bruises on her backside, claiming Gatto made them "with his teeth."

Gatto has denied assault allegations but admitted to using "poor judgment" and violating the trust of those he loves.

"I have used poor judgment and as a result have violated the trust of the people I love most," Gatto stated. "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."

Prior to these allegations, Gatto had already been navigating a turbulent personal life. He departed from "Impractical Jokers" in 2021, citing personal issues and the need to focus on his family following his split from his wife, Bessy Gatto.

The couple, who share two children, Milana and Remington, reconciled in September 2023, around the same time Gatto allegedly communicated with the TikTok user.

The accuser confirmed the timeline, saying Gatto committed the alleged assault after he'd "JUST gotten back together with his wife." She added, "I've been wanting to tell people this for so long. I've 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."

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available via RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) and their online chat hotline.