Grammy Award–winning gospel singer, Donnie McClurkin, faces lawsuit over alleged sexual abuse of a young man

A Grammy Award–winning gospel singer and pastor, Donnie McClurkin, has been accused in a new lawsuit of sexually abusing a young man over several years and later sending an email apologising for his actions, reportedly referring to himself as a “dirty ‘old man.’”
The lawsuit, filed by Giuseppe Corletto, alleges that the abuse began after he sought spiritual guidance from McClurkin in 2003 while struggling to reconcile his sexuality with his Christian faith.

Corletto said he was drawn to McClurkin after reading his autobiographical book, which detailed how the singer claimed to have overcome what he described as the “curse” of homosexuality through faith.
According to the suit, Corletto, who was 21 at the time, attended an event at McClurkin’s church in Long Island, New York. During the event, McClurkin spoke about being sexually abused as a child, a revelation that Corletto said resonated deeply with him due to his own similar experience.
After the event, Corletto said he was introduced to McClurkin, who immediately showed interest in him. What initially appeared to be a mentoring relationship later took a troubling turn, Corletto alleged. He now believes he was groomed from the outset.
The lawsuit claims McClurkin began molesting Corletto during so-called “pray the gay away” spiritual sessions, with the abuse escalating over several years. During this period, Corletto worked as McClurkin’s assistant and frequently travelled with him.
Corletto said the power imbalance made it difficult for him to speak out, as McClurkin was both his spiritual mentor and employer. The abuse allegedly continued during work trips and at McClurkin’s church, Perfecting Faith Church, where Corletto claimed McClurkin would secretly grope him before preaching.
In one alleged incident at a Niagara Falls hotel in 2013, McClurkin is accused of sexually assaulting Corletto. Following that encounter, the lawsuit says McClurkin sent an email apologising for his behaviour, describing himself as desperate and admitting he had acted wrongly toward someone who was seeking friendship, guidance and spiritual support.
McClurkin’s lawyer, Greg Lisi, has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as “categorically false.” He stated that McClurkin never engaged in sexual abuse, assault or coercion, adding that the claims misrepresent interactions that occurred years ago and are contradicted by what he described as the true facts.
McClurkin, now 66, is a highly acclaimed gospel artist who has won three Grammy Awards and sold millions of records. His rise to prominence was boosted in part by Oprah Winfrey, who named his self-titled album one of her favourite things in 1996.
In his 2001 book Eternal Victim, Eternal Victor, McClurkin wrote about being sexually abused by an uncle at the age of eight, an experience he said led to struggles with homosexuality. He claimed that reading Scripture helped him overcome those struggles.
Corletto said he felt an immediate connection to McClurkin’s story, noting that they both grew up poor in New York and had both been abused as children. He followed McClurkin’s guidance in hopes of achieving the same spiritual transformation.
The lawsuit further alleges that McClurkin manipulated Corletto by using biblical comparisons and guilt to keep him in the relationship, even when Corletto tried to leave his job. Corletto said he was made to believe his spiritual deliverance depended entirely on McClurkin.
After leaving McClurkin’s employment in 2008, Corletto said the pastor continued to pursue him. He later became depressed and suicidal, attempting to take his own life before briefly returning to McClurkin’s church.
Corletto said it was only last year that he rediscovered the apologetic email McClurkin allegedly sent after the Niagara Falls incident, which he described as validating and relieving after years of emotional turmoil.
The lawsuit was filed under New York City’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, which extended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims. Corletto’s lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, said the suit seeks compensation, closure and justice for his client, whom he said was taken advantage of during a period of confusion and vulnerability.
Corletto said he is now in a better place, married and no longer struggling with suicidal thoughts. While his relationship with organised religion remains complicated, he said he has found peace by embracing his identity and redefining his faith on his own terms.