Impractical Jokers’ Joe Gatto accused of sexual assault and inappropriate behaviour by two different women

nme.com:

Impractical Jokers star Joe Gatto has been accused of sexual assault and inappropriate behaviour by two different women.Last week, a TikTok user going by the username “joozyb” accused the TV personality of sexually assaulting her when she was 19 years old in a series of since-deleted posts.

Gatto denied the allegations, giving a statement to Page Six on Sunday (March 23).“I have used poor judgment and as a result have violated the trust of the people I love most,” it began. “But anyone who knows me at all knows full well that I wouldn’t assault anyone.”“Working on myself is an ongoing process,” the statement added, “and I am now going to take some time away from the public eye to focus my energies where I need to.”Now, a second woman who reportedly worked for Gatto during his time on the comedy prank show has claimed the comedian exhibited unwanted behaviours that she described as sexual harassment.Speaking to People, the woman said she first met Gatto at one of his live shows when she was 15, and claims that as soon as she turned 18 his behaviour shifted towards flirtation.She was employed by the comedian prior to his 2021 departure from the show, and started the job after graduating college.

She alleges one of his previous employees had warned her that she perceived him to be flirty and handsy sometimes, and that he often told inappropriate jokes, advising her to shut things down if they became too creepy.Throughout her time working for Gatto, the woman alleges he occasionally inappropriately grabbed her and asked for back massages, and once invited her to his room and asked her to cuddle.Elsewhere, the source told People Gatto allegedly asked about her sex life often, and would brag about his own open relationship.