January 06, (THEWILL) — Grammy-winning gospel singer and pastor, Donnie McClurkin, has been sued by a man, who alleges he was sexually assaulted over several years while working closely with the church leader.
The lawsuit, filed on January 2, in New York County Supreme Court, was brought by Giuseppe Corletto, who claims the alleged abuse occurred over an extended period.
According to the lawsuit, Corletto was 21 years old when he met McClurkin in August 2003 at Perfecting Faith Church in Long Island, New York.
He alleges that McClurkin initially acted as a mentor and offered spiritual guidance.
Corletto claims that during this period, McClurkin assured him he would help “deliver him from homosexuality”, and that the relationship later became abusive. The lawsuit alleges the misconduct continued for several years while Corletto worked as McClurkin’s personal assistant and travelled with him.
The suit further alleges that Corletto reported the alleged abuse to church staff, but no action was taken.
According to the lawsuit, after an alleged incident in 2013, McClurkin sent Corletto an email apologising for his behaviour. In the message, McClurkin allegedly 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 wants to look to for help, guidance and spirituality. I feel so foul…so stupid.”
McClurkin, now 66, has denied all allegations. His attorney, Greg Lisi, described the claims as “categorically false”.
“At no time did Pastor McClurkin engage in any form of sexual abuse, assault, or sexual coercion of Mr Corletto,” Lisi said in a statement.
“The claims set forth in the lawsuit grossly mischaracterise their interactions, which occurred over a decade, and some accusations over two decades ago. All these allegations are contradicted by the real facts”, he added.
McClurkin is a three-time Grammy Award winner and one of gospel music’s most prominent figures, known for songs such as Stand, I Call You Faithful, and We Fall Down.
The case remains before the court.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
