Scandal surrounding Joe Gatto: accusations of sexual violence and divorce from his wife. All the details
23 march 2025 в 17:13
Joe Gatto is back in the headlines after facing allegations of sexual assault. Three years ago, the comedian made headlines when he announced his sudden departure from the show «Impractical Jokers» due to his divorce from his wife Bessy Gatto. Now, with shocking allegations against Gatto coming to light, we are breaking down everything we know about the situation so far.
Gatto is a comedian, actor, and producer. A former member of the comedy collective known as the Tenderloins, he and his friends Sal Vulcano, James Murray, and Brian Quinn had their big break with the TV series «Impractical Jokers» in 2011.
The improv comedians found success with their show and expanded their fan base over the years. However, in December 2021, everything changed when Gatto announced his departure from «Impractical Jokers».
In December 2021, Gatto broke the hearts of «Impractical Jokers» fans when he announced his departure from the show.
«I apologize in advance for the long and more serious than usual message below, I just wanted to let you all know that I will no longer be participating in 'Impractical Jokers'», - Gatto wrote in an Instagram post. «Alongside my friends, I dedicated ten years of my life to creating this franchise and could not be prouder of what has been achieved».
The reason for Gatto’s departure was «some issues in [his] personal life», - which, he said, were related to his divorce from Bessy.
«However, due to some issues in my personal life, I have to step away», - Gatto continued. «Bessy and I have decided to part ways amicably, so now I need to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two amazing children».
In March 2025, a woman shared a video on TikTok accusing Gatto of sexual assault.
«I have wanted to tell people about this for so long», - she said. «I tried to do it in different ways, but it’s hard with such a prominent person. I concluded that if I say something, then I am really saying something».
The woman claimed that she and Gatto met at a hotel after one of his performances in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in September 2023, when he had «just returned to his wife», - as indicated by the TikTok user in one of her videos.
She shared a separate post on TikTok with a photo of her right buttock with a large bruise. The woman claimed in the caption: «Yes, he committed violence. Yes, he just returned to his wife. Sorry you don’t want to hear this, but».
In response to the woman’s allegations, Gatto told Page Six: «I made a mistake in judgment and as a result violated the trust of those closest to me. But anyone who knows me knows that I would never commit violence against anyone. Self-improvement is a constant process, and now I am going to take some time away from the public eye to focus my energies where they are needed».
Despite the announced separation, Gatto and his wife reconciled in 2023. In September, Gatto posted a photo on Instagram confirming their reunion.
«10 years ago, when we started, I could never have imagined the absolutely insane journey with ups and downs that our marriage has endured. But there has always been love», - Gatto captioned his post. «And I know there is no one else I would want by my side. I love your compassion, your resilience, and your laughter. Thank you for this decade. And I am happy and hopeful that we can live a few more, because we have proven that with compassion, forgiveness, and an open heart, we can do it. Together. I look forward to even more of this, including laughter together, creating memories with our incredible family, and of course… dogs. I love you so much, Mrs. Gatto».
It is unclear whether Gatto and his wife are divorcing because of the allegations of sexual assault. At the time of publication, neither of them has provided updates on their family status
Gatto is a comedian, actor, and producer. A former member of the comedy collective known as the Tenderloins, he and his friends Sal Vulcano, James Murray, and Brian Quinn had their big break with the TV series «Impractical Jokers» in 2011.
The improv comedians found success with their show and expanded their fan base over the years. However, in December 2021, everything changed when Gatto announced his departure from «Impractical Jokers».
In December 2021, Gatto broke the hearts of «Impractical Jokers» fans when he announced his departure from the show.
«I apologize in advance for the long and more serious than usual message below, I just wanted to let you all know that I will no longer be participating in 'Impractical Jokers'», - Gatto wrote in an Instagram post. «Alongside my friends, I dedicated ten years of my life to creating this franchise and could not be prouder of what has been achieved».
The reason for Gatto’s departure was «some issues in [his] personal life», - which, he said, were related to his divorce from Bessy.
«However, due to some issues in my personal life, I have to step away», - Gatto continued. «Bessy and I have decided to part ways amicably, so now I need to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two amazing children».
In March 2025, a woman shared a video on TikTok accusing Gatto of sexual assault.
«I have wanted to tell people about this for so long», - she said. «I tried to do it in different ways, but it’s hard with such a prominent person. I concluded that if I say something, then I am really saying something».
The woman claimed that she and Gatto met at a hotel after one of his performances in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in September 2023, when he had «just returned to his wife», - as indicated by the TikTok user in one of her videos.
She shared a separate post on TikTok with a photo of her right buttock with a large bruise. The woman claimed in the caption: «Yes, he committed violence. Yes, he just returned to his wife. Sorry you don’t want to hear this, but».
In response to the woman’s allegations, Gatto told Page Six: «I made a mistake in judgment and as a result violated the trust of those closest to me. But anyone who knows me knows that I would never commit violence against anyone. Self-improvement is a constant process, and now I am going to take some time away from the public eye to focus my energies where they are needed».
Despite the announced separation, Gatto and his wife reconciled in 2023. In September, Gatto posted a photo on Instagram confirming their reunion.
«10 years ago, when we started, I could never have imagined the absolutely insane journey with ups and downs that our marriage has endured. But there has always been love», - Gatto captioned his post. «And I know there is no one else I would want by my side. I love your compassion, your resilience, and your laughter. Thank you for this decade. And I am happy and hopeful that we can live a few more, because we have proven that with compassion, forgiveness, and an open heart, we can do it. Together. I look forward to even more of this, including laughter together, creating memories with our incredible family, and of course… dogs. I love you so much, Mrs. Gatto».
It is unclear whether Gatto and his wife are divorcing because of the allegations of sexual assault. At the time of publication, neither of them has provided updates on their family status
© Smirnova Olga
