Gospel Singer Donnie McClurkin Faces Allegations of Sexual Abuse from Former Assistant in New Lawsuit

Donnie McClurkin attends the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2022.
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Key Points

• A man filed a lawsuit on January 2 in New York County Supreme Court against Donnie McClurkin, alleging that the singer and pastor sexually abused him for several years.
• The complaint, obtained by PEOPLE, claims that the individual worked as a personal assistant for McClurkin and was subjected to sexual advances during “pray the gay away” sessions.
• McClurkin’s attorney, Greg Lisi, has denounced the allegations as “categorically false.”

A lawsuit has been initiated against gospel singer Donnie McClurkin, with claims of prolonged sexual abuse.

In the complaint filed in New York County Supreme Court, Giuseppe Corletto alleges that the alleged incidents began after he first met the 66-year-old singer and pastor in 2003.

In a statement to PEOPLE, McClurkin’s attorney, Greg Lisi, refuted the allegations, stating, “At no time did Pastor McClurkin engage in any form of sexual abuse, assault, or sexual coercion of Mr. Corletto. The claims set forth in the lawsuit grossly mischaracterize their interactions, which occurred over a decade and, in some cases, two decades ago. All these allegations are contradicted by the real facts.”

Donnie McClurkin at the American Music Awards in 2018.

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“Pastor McClurkin denies each and every allegation of wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend against this lawsuit through the appropriate legal process. As this is now active litigation, Pastor McClurkin will not be commenting further at this time,” added Lisi.

Efforts to reach McClurkin’s church, Perfecting Faith Church, for comment did not receive an immediate response.

According to Corletto’s complaint, he approached McClurkin in 2003 at his Long Island church seeking guidance amidst struggles with his sexuality and faith. He alleges that McClurkin promised to help “deliver him from homosexuality.”

Corletto described their relationship as a mentor-mentee dynamic, which led to his role as McClurkin’s personal assistant. However, he claims this relationship was marred by inappropriate behavior during “pray the gay away” sessions, where he alleges McClurkin groped him without consent.

Corletto asserts that the alleged abuse persisted over the following six years, including incidents at the church prior to McClurkin’s sermons. He claims he reported the allegations to church staff, but no actions were taken.

The complaint states that Corletto struggled to reconcile these experiences, as McClurkin was both his mentor and employer, making it difficult to speak out.

He ultimately resigned from the church in 2008, despite alleged coercion from McClurkin, who suggested that Corletto’s “deliverance” and purpose were intertwined with him. Corletto claims McClurkin tracked him down and continued to assault him after his resignation.

Donnie McClurkin speaks during the 33rd annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards on March 24, 2018.

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Further allegations include an incident in 2013 at a hotel in Niagara Falls, during which Corletto claims McClurkin assaulted him. Corletto alleges that McClurkin later apologized via email, referring to himself as the “epitome of a desperate dirty ‘old man.’” Following the assault, Corletto reported feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts, eventually distancing himself from McClurkin and the church.

Corletto’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, expressed hope that the lawsuit would help his client find “some measure of justice for what happened to him.” He characterized McClurkin as having “taken advantage” of someone in a vulnerable state, grappling with both sexuality and religious beliefs.

Donnie McClurkin, known for songs such as “Stand” and “We Fall Down,” gained prominence in 1996 with his self-titled album that earned him a Grammy nomination and accolades from notable figures, including Oprah Winfrey. He has won Grammy awards in 2004, 2006, and 2010.