Grammy Award–winning gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin has been named in a newly filed civil lawsuit alleging sexual abuse spanning several years.
The lawsuit, filed this week, was brought by Giuseppe Corletto, who claims the alleged abuse began in the early 2000s when he was 21 years old and seeking spiritual guidance to reconcile his sexuality with his Christian faith.
The complaint alleges that the interactions took place within the context of religious counseling focused on suppressing same-sex attraction.
According to court filings, Corletto says he sought out McClurkin after reading the singer’s autobiographical book, in which McClurkin discussed his personal testimony of overcoming homosexuality through faith. Corletto alleges that what initially began as spiritual mentorship at McClurkin’s New York–based church later escalated into grooming and sexual abuse.
The lawsuit further claims that the alleged misconduct occurred during private counseling and prayer sessions and continued over several years while Corletto worked as McClurkin’s assistant and traveled with him.
The filing also references an alleged incident in 2013 at a hotel in Niagara Falls. According to the complaint, McClurkin later sent an email expressing remorse and shame over the encounter, which the plaintiff characterizes as an acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
McClurkin, who is now 66, has strongly denied the allegations. Through his attorney, the gospel artist and pastor described the claims as “categorically false” and stated that he intends to vigorously defend himself in court.
At this time, no court has ruled on the allegations, and the case remains pending.
