Influencer makes serious accusations against US comedian: "Yes, he raped me"

New York - US comedian Joe Gatto (48) is under pressure. On TikTok, a female influencer claims to have been sexually harassed and abused by him.

TV star Joe Gatto (48) is facing serious allegations of abuse.
TV star Joe Gatto (48) is facing serious allegations of abuse.  © TikTok/joozyb

In a series of videos that the young woman published on her TikTok channel "joozyb", she recounts her experience with the 48-year-old.

"I was sexually assaulted by Joe Gatto. I was drunk, whatever, and he was texting me all this stuff. And it started to get a little weird, you know," the influencer, who was 19 at the time, says in a clip.

She wrote to the well-known improv comedian on Instagram in the fall of 2023 and asked him for two free tickets to his comedy show after they had met by chance in a restaurant shortly beforehand.

Gatto got back to her and actually gave her two tickets. After the show, the TikToker took a photo with him and they got in touch again via WhatsApp .

Here, the influencer noticed that Gatto had activated self-deleting messages - possibly so that his attempts at flirting could no longer be found later.

She was then invited to a hotel by the comedian and actor. However, the stay turned into a nightmare for her, as she told People .

Influencer accuses TV star of sexual abuse

During the rape, the actor even bit her bottom, the woman said. As proof, she posted a photo of her backside.
During the rape, the actor even bit her bottom, the woman said. As proof, she posted a photo of her backside.  © TikTok/joozyb

At first, the two had a lively conversation and drank alcohol. Afterwards, "some things" happened, the influencer told TikTok , without going into detail.

"I've wanted to tell people this for so long. I've tried different ways, but it's very hard. I've come to the realization that if I have something to say, I should really say it."

Shortly after, she uploaded another video showing a picture of a bruised buttocks, allegedly from her encounter with Gatto.

"Yes, he raped me, yes, he just got back together with his wife. I'm sorry you don't want to hear it, but that's how it is," the 19-year-old wrote on her clip.

It is still uncertain whether the improv comedian, who became known in the USA primarily through the reality TV series "Impractical Jokers", will now have to fear any consequences.

The influencer's videos went viral within a short space of time and sparked lots of comments. While some viewers believed the woman, others doubted her account of the events.