Comic Gatto denies abuse but admits 'poor judgment'

Impractical Jokers star Joe Gatto has denied a TikTok user's claims of sexual assault, but has admitted exercising "poor judgment".

The 48-year-old US comedian, who appeared on the prank show from 2011-21, responded after a woman alleged he sexually assaulted her in 2023, when she was 19.

In a statement to US media, 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 TikTok user claimed she had been abused by the star at a Milwaukee hotel in September 2023, after having been invited to see one of his stand-up shows following a chance meeting.

"I got sexually assaulted by Joe Gatto, the Impractical Joker," she said in a video posted on Thursday, adding she had been talking about her experience "for over a year" and had not expected it to suddenly go viral.

She said she had been to see Gatto at his hotel after the gig. "I don't want to go into the details about everything," she continued, but added she also did not "want any girl to feel" the way he made her feel.

She posted pictures of bruises on her bottom that the star allegedly caused with his teeth.

Gatto starred on Impractical Jokers - a hidden camera US comedy and reality show with improvisational elements - for nine seasons before leaving in 2021.

He said at the time he was stepping away "due to some issues in my personal life" amid his separation from his wife.

In September 2023, Gatto shared online that the couple had reconciled.