Grammy-winning gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin is facing a lawsuit that accuses him of sexually abusing a man over several years. The legal case, filed on January 2, 2026, claims the misconduct occurred during a period when the plaintiff was seeking spiritual guidance to “pray away” his homosexuality. McClurkin has strongly denied the allegations.
The plaintiff, Giuseppe Corletto, first met McClurkin in 2003 when he was 21 years old. Corletto says he went to McClurkin’s Perfecting Faith Church in Long Island, New York, after reading the pastor’s book about overcoming what he called the “curse” of homosexuality. Corletto was struggling with his own sexuality and sought McClurkin’s help. According to the lawsuit, this spiritual mentorship eventually led to a position as McClurkin’s personal assistant, requiring frequent travel.
Details of the Allegations in the Lawsuit
The court filing describes a pattern of alleged abuse that began in 2007 and continued for several years. Corletto claims the first major incident happened in a hotel room in California in 2007. The lawsuit says McClurkin forced Corletto into sexual acts during this work trip. Similar alleged assaults reportedly followed in other locations, including Atlantic City, New Jersey; Manhattan; Florida; Boston; and Niagara Falls.
A central part of the lawsuit is a purported email from McClurkin to Corletto dated 2013. The email image included in the legal documents appears to show McClurkin apologizing for his actions. In the text, the writer refers to himself as a “desperate dirty ‘old man’” and admits to “groping a young man” and “forcing” himself on him. The email also states, “I shouldn’t have it for you. I forced myself on you”. The authenticity of this email has not been independently verified by news organizations.
Corletto says he tried to quit his job with McClurkin multiple times but felt spiritually pressured to stay. The lawsuit claims McClurkin told Corletto that his “deliverance” and spiritual purpose were tied to their continuing relationship. This alleged manipulation made Corletto feel trapped and responsible for the situation.
Donnie McClurkin’s Response to the Allegations
Through his attorney, Greg Lisi, Donnie McClurkin has issued a firm denial of all accusations. Lisi stated that McClurkin “categorically” did not engage in any form of sexual abuse, assault, or coercion. The lawyer said the claims “grossly mischaracterize” interactions between the two men, which happened many years ago.
“At no time did Pastor McClurkin engage in any form of sexual abuse, assault, or sexual coercion of Mr. Corletto,” said McClurkin’s attorney, Greg Lisi. “The claims set forth in the lawsuit grossly mischaracterize their interactions.”
McClurkin, now 66 years old, is a prominent figure in gospel music with three Grammy Awards and several number-one gospel albums. He has been the senior pastor at Perfecting Faith Church for many years. In the past, he has spoken publicly about being sexually abused as a child by an uncle, an experience he has said contributed to his own struggles with same-sex attraction. McClurkin has testified that his faith helped him overcome these struggles.
The singer’s public profile grew during the period when the alleged abuse was happening. He performed at the 2004 Republican National Convention and at a 2007 gospel event for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. His appearance with Obama drew criticism from gay rights groups at the time.
The Plaintiff’s Story and Legal Grounds
Giuseppe Corletto says the alleged abuse caused him significant emotional harm. He reports experiencing depression, feeling suicidal, and attempting to take his own life. Corletto told NBC News that after one alleged incident, he briefly returned to McClurkin’s church because he thought he had “strayed from God”. He has since left the church and cut off contact with McClurkin.
Corletto says finding the alleged 2013 apology email years later gave him a sense of validation. “I didn’t make this up. I wasn’t crazy,” Corletto said. “I felt vindicated in some ways. … He’s literally admitting to his guilt.”
The lawsuit is filed under New York City’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law. This law created a special two-year window for filing old sexual abuse claims that would normally be past the statute of limitations. That window officially closed in March 2025, but legal agreements can sometimes extend the deadline. Corletto’s lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, said they hope the lawsuit brings their client “some measure of justice”.
Corletto is now married and says he is in a better place emotionally. He told NBC News that accepting his sexuality lifted a burden from him. “Ever since I did embrace my sexuality and stopped trying to change it, the weight of suicide has left me,” he said. However, he still finds it difficult to attend church services.
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Broader Context and Pattern of Similar Cases
This lawsuit comes amid several other allegations against prominent Christian figures. In mid-2025, contemporary Christian musician Michael Tait, formerly of DC Talk and the Newsboys, was accused by multiple men of sexual misconduct. Tait issued a public statement acknowledging he had “touched men in an unwanted sensual way” during periods of substance abuse. His music was pulled from some Christian radio stations following the allegations.
Media mogul Tyler Perry, known for his faith-based films and shows, is also facing two separate civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct. In one case, actor Mario Rodriguez filed a $77 million lawsuit claiming Perry made unwanted sexual advances. Perry has denied all allegations against him.
These cases share some common elements, according to observers. All involve significant power imbalances, with the accused holding influential positions as pastors, artists, or producers. The allegations also span many years, and several involve male accusers. Faithfully Magazine notes that male-on-male allegations have often been avoided as topics within conservative Christian communities.
The lawsuit against McClurkin seeks unspecified financial damages for the alleged physical and emotional harm caused. As of early January 2026, the case is pending in New York state court, and no rulings have been made. Both sides are expected to present their evidence as the legal process continues.
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