Update: Since this article was published, Donnie McClurkin has released a public statement denying the allegations outlined in the lawsuit filed by Giuseppe Corletto.
In the statement, Donnie called the claims “contrived,” “untrue,” and “baseless,” and said he plans to vigorously defend himself through the legal process.
👉🏾 Read Donnie McClurkin’s full response here.
What To Know
- Gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin is accused of sexual abuse in a newly filed lawsuit.
- Plaintiff Giuseppe Corletto alleges abuse occurred over several years while McClurkin was his mentor and employer.
- The lawsuit includes an alleged apology email describing inappropriate behavior.
- McClurkin’s attorney denies all allegations.
- The case was filed under New York City’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law.
Lawsuit Alleges Abuse During Spiritual Counseling And Travel
A new lawsuit filed in New York accuses Donnie McClurkin of sexually abusing a young man over several years while positioning himself as a spiritual mentor and authority figure.
According to the complaint, Giuseppe Corletto sought guidance from McClurkin in 2003 while struggling to reconcile his sexuality with his religious beliefs.
Corletto says he was drawn to McClurkin after reading his autobiographical book, which framed homosexuality as something that could be overcome through faith.
After attending a church event on Long Island, Corletto says McClurkin took an immediate interest in him.
“At first it was all very innocent and what I thought was mentoring,” Corletto told NBC News.
The lawsuit alleges that what began as spiritual counseling turned into grooming, followed by sexual abuse during so-called “pray the gay away” sessions.
Corletto later became McClurkin’s assistant and traveled with him regularly, where the alleged abuse escalated.
Power, Faith, And Alleged Manipulation
Corletto says the dynamic made it nearly impossible to speak out.
McClurkin was not only his mentor but also his employer, the lawsuit states, creating a deep power imbalance rooted in faith, authority, and control.
The filing also alleges that abuse occurred at Perfecting Faith Church, where McClurkin allegedly groped Corletto moments before preaching.
Corletto says he often cried during services as a result, and those moments were then used to encourage emotional responses from the congregation.
“He would compare me to biblical figures like Elisha and Elijah,” Corletto said. “There was a lot of biblical manipulation.”
Alleged Apology Email Included In Lawsuit
A central piece of evidence cited in the lawsuit is an email McClurkin allegedly sent after an incident at a Niagara Falls hotel in 2013.
In the message, McClurkin reportedly wrote:
“I am the actual epitome of a desperate dirty ‘old man,’ pawning and groping a young man who is just looking for a friendship and close platonic relationship with someone he looks to for help, guidance and spirituality.”
He continued:
“I feel so foul… so stupid.”
In another portion of the email cited in the lawsuit, McClurkin allegedly wrote:
“I want to apologize for all of my behavior that has been wrong and put you in a wrong place.”
He also reportedly added:
“I was horribly wrong trying to force you into something that you were consistently saying no to. I am too old to be like this.”
Corletto says finding the email years later was validating.
“I didn’t make this up. I wasn’t crazy. He’s literally admitting to his guilt.”
Donnie McClurkin Denies Allegations Through Attorney
McClurkin’s attorney, Greg Lisi, has denied all allegations.
“At no time did Pastor McClurkin engage in any form of sexual abuse, assault, or sexual coercion,” Lisi said, calling the claims “categorically false.”
Public Profile And Legal Path Forward
During the years referenced in the lawsuit, McClurkin’s career continued to rise.
He won multiple Grammy Awards, sold millions of albums, and received mainstream recognition after Oprah Winfrey named his self-titled album one of her favorite things.
He also appeared at national political events connected to Barack Obama, whose campaign later distanced itself from McClurkin’s views on homosexuality.
The lawsuit was filed under New York City’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, which extended the statute of limitations for survivors of sexual abuse.
Corletto’s attorney says the case is about accountability and closure.
Where Giuseppe Corletto Is Now
Corletto says he is now married and no longer struggles with suicidal thoughts.
“Ever since I embraced my sexuality and stopped trying to change it, the weight of suicide has left me,” he said.
While organized religion remains complicated for him, Corletto says he has found peace on his own terms.
“I lost friends, community, and my religion,” he said. “But I found myself, my family, and my peace.”
The case remains ongoing.The case remains ongoing.
This story has been updated to include Donnie McClurkin’s response to the lawsuit.
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