- Plaintiff Giuseppe Corletto says he was groomed and abused over several years by Donnie McClurkin.
- Lawsuit alleges molestation during “pray the gay away” sessions and rape on work trips; an apology email is cited.
- McClurkin’s attorney calls the claims “categorically false.”
- The suit was filed in Manhattan under New York’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law.
What the lawsuit says
A new lawsuit filed in New York state Supreme Court in Manhattan alleges that Grammy-winning gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin sexually abused a young man over multiple years. The plaintiff, identified as Giuseppe Corletto, says he first sought out McClurkin in 2003 after reading the singer’s autobiographical book about struggling with and overcoming homosexuality.
According to the complaint and Corletto’s interview with NBC News, the meeting began as pastoral mentorship but soon became abusive. The suit alleges McClurkin groomed Corletto, then began molesting him during spiritual sessions intended to change his sexuality. The complaint says the abuse escalated while Corletto worked as McClurkin’s assistant and traveled with him.
Corletto’s lawsuit also cites a 2013 incident at a Niagara Falls hotel and an email McClurkin allegedly sent afterward apologizing and calling himself a “desperate dirty ‘old man.’” The suit says that email, discovered later, corroborated Corletto’s account and provided a measure of vindication.
Response from McClurkin and legal teams
McClurkin’s attorney, Greg Lisi, issued a statement saying the allegations are “categorically false,” adding that McClurkin never engaged in sexual abuse, assault, or coercion of Corletto. The statement says the interactions described in the suit allegedly took place over many years and that the claims “grossly mischaracterize” those interactions.
Corletto is represented by attorney Thomas Giuffra, who said the lawsuit seeks compensation, closure and “some measure of justice.” Giuffra said his client was vulnerable at the time, struggling with his sexuality and faith, and that McClurkin took advantage of him.
Legal context: the Gender-Motivated Violence law
The suit invokes New York City’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, which expanded the window for plaintiffs to sue over sexual abuse. While a two-year window closed in March 2025, some cases have used tolling agreements to extend the statute of limitations; Corletto’s filing comes amid that legal backdrop.
Background and aftermath
Donnie McClurkin, 66, is a three-time Grammy winner who rose to a wide audience in the 1990s and has publicly written about his own childhood sexual abuse and his struggles with sexuality. The complaint notes that Corletto, who says he was also abused as a child, worked for McClurkin starting in 2004 and eventually left the role in 2008.
Corletto told NBC News that he later struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts but has since embraced his sexuality, married and found personal peace. He said the lawsuit is part of his effort to hold McClurkin accountable and to find closure.
The allegations are serious and remain contested. No criminal charges have been reported. The case is now moving through the civil courts, and further developments and responses are expected as the matter proceeds.
Image Referance: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/grammy-winning-gospel-singer-pastor-accused-sexually-abusing-young-man-rcna236379
