Joe Gorga and Brad Garrett Getty Images (2)
Joe Gorga has been compelled to cancel his upcoming comedy show in Las Vegas, apart from BravoCon, due to allegations made by Brad Garrett. The Real Housewives of New Jersey star's show was deemed a "scam" by Garrett, who publicly disclosed this information. Garrett, who is 63 years old, took to Instagram on Tuesday, October 31 to alert people about the fake link on Facebook through which tickets were being sold. He also clarified that he was not associated with this show and does not have a Facebook presence.
The former cast member of Everybody Loves Raymond alleged that someone posing as him was collecting money for a show that does not even exist.
According to reports, the supposed comedy show was scheduled for Sunday, November 5, at Garrett's Comedy Club in Las Vegas. Gorga, 44, was slated to perform with comedian Jaclyn Marfuggi and fellow RHONJ personality Frank Catania, who was billed as a "special guest."
According to a statement given to Deadline, Gorga's representative clarified that he was unaware of the show's fraudulent nature until he came across Garrett's post on Tuesday. The representative also informed that the scam involved a fake Brad Garrett and even involved signed contracts.
Joe Gorga performs during “The Amusing World Of Joe Gorga” Live From Jersey Shore on June 23, 2022 in Red Bank, New Jersey. Manny Carabel/Getty Images
Gorga's representative expressed his deep disappointment as he had eagerly anticipated the performance. Additionally, he assured that all individuals who had bought tickets would be refunded their money. The statement concluded by stating that Joe would not be hosting a show in Las Vegas.
In a follow-up Instagram post, Garrett clarified that Gorga had no knowledge of the scam.
"It was not their fault. The booking was done through a comedy club in NJ that failed to follow the proper procedures and interacted with an impostor on Facebook," the caption explained. "A word of advice to everyone: if someone requests money upfront to perform at your club, chances are it's a scam. Stay safe, everyone."
The link to buy show tickets has been removed from Gorga's Instagram bio. Although he won't be performing in Las Vegas, Gorga will be joining other members of the RHONJ cast at BravoCon in Sin City. This annual event is scheduled to occur from Friday, November 3, to Sunday, November 5, at the Caesars Forum convention center.
Brad Garrett performs at his comedy club at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on March 10, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images
In an Instagram Story video on Tuesday, Gorga addressed the comedy show, expressing his dismay by stating, "Guys, we just received the news... It's an absolute scam." Catania accompanied him in the video, which featured a caption questioning the state of the world, saying, "What is happening to this world?!"
Joe's wife, Melissa Gorga, wasn't visible on camera, but her voice resonated in the background, expressing her reaction to the news.
"I'm in disbelief," she exclaimed. "So, there wasn't a representative from Brad Garrett's comedy club? This whole thing was a fraudulent deception."
Joe ended his statement by saying, "There is no changing the situation," reassuring his social media followers that there was no room for action.
"The good news is that no one was harmed," shared the Bravo celebrity. "So, don't fret, I will be present at BravoCon. And when we meet, we will entertain you and bring laughter."