Gospel singer Donnie McClurkin, who rebuked homosexuality, sued for sexual abuse by male assistant

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Grammy-winning gospel singer and minister Donnie McClurkin, who has spoken out against homosexuality, is facing a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse by a former male assistant.

As a longtime fan, I was shocked to learn that Don McClurkin, 66, is now facing a civil lawsuit in New York. Apparently, a man named Giuseppe Corletto is accusing him of repeated sexual assault and battery over a period of eleven years, from 2004 to 2015, when Corletto worked for him. What’s particularly disturbing is that the court documents include an alleged email from McClurkin himself, where he reportedly apologizes and refers to himself as a “desperate dirty ‘old man.’” It’s just really upsetting news to hear, honestly.

A legal representative for McClurkin denied the allegations as “categorically false.”

Pastor McClurkin’s attorney, Gregory S. Lisi, stated on Tuesday that the pastor never sexually abused, assaulted, or coerced Mr. Corletto. Lisi said the lawsuit’s claims misrepresent interactions that happened over a decade, and in some cases over twenty years, ago, and are not supported by the actual events.

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Lisi stated that Pastor McClurkin strongly denies the accusations against him and plans to fight the lawsuit through legal means. Because the case is now in court, Pastor McClurkin will not be making any further public statements.

According to the lawsuit, Corletto was a 21-year-old grappling with his sexuality when he first encountered gospel singer Don McClurkin in August 2003. McClurkin is known for popular songs like “I Call You Faithful” and “Wait on the Lord.” Court documents state that Corletto attended a book reading for McClurkin’s 2001 book, “Eternal Victim, Eternal Victor,” which details the singer’s journey of overcoming same-sex attraction. Corletto then sought advice from the Grammy-winning artist, who subsequently hired him as a personal assistant.

According to the lawsuit, McClurkin and Corletto formed a close relationship where McClurkin acted as a mentor. During spiritual sessions, McClurkin allegedly sexually assaulted Corletto without his consent. The lawsuit also claims McClurkin created situations involving Corletto and other men, falsely presenting them as divine tests.

In 2007, Corletto and his girlfriend joined singer Don McClurkin and his family on a trip to California. While there, McClurkin allegedly sexually assaulted Corletto in a hotel room. According to the lawsuit, McClurkin exposed himself, then forced Corletto onto a bed, kissed him forcefully, and touched him inappropriately before sexually assaulting him. When Corletto reported the alleged assault to McClurkin, the singer reportedly claimed to have no memory of the event and suggested Corletto’s actions were due to medication. The lawsuit further states that McClurkin manipulated Corletto, making him believe he was responsible for what happened and causing him confusion.

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The lawsuit claims that McClurkin repeatedly pressured the plaintiff into unwanted sexual acts over a six-year period, with many incidents happening while they both worked at his church. The complaint also includes details of alleged sexual assaults that occurred between 2007 and 2008.

According to the lawsuit, Corletto tried to leave his job working for McClurkin several times, but the singer wouldn’t let him, claiming their connection was essential to his spiritual journey and life’s work. The complaint also states that Corletto reported the alleged sexual assault to multiple church employees, but no one took any action. Corletto eventually stopped working for McClurkin in 2008, but continued to encounter him over the next few years.

According to a lawsuit, singer Donell McClurkin, known for his song “Again,” sexually assaulted a former employee, identified as Corletto, in Orlando in 2012. Corletto was in Orlando training to become a flight attendant. McClurkin reportedly found Corletto through a mutual friend and went to his hotel room, telling him he needed to talk. Corletto allowed him in. The lawsuit claims that inside the room, McClurkin pleaded with Corletto to have sex with him one last time, but Corletto refused. Corletto alleges he woke up to find McClurkin sexually assaulting him, and that McClurkin then forced himself on Corletto and raped him.

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In the summer of 2013, Corletto rejoined singer Don McClurkin at his church and accompanied him on a trip to Niagara Falls. During that trip, McClurkin allegedly sexually assaulted Corletto again. Days later, he reportedly sent an email apologizing for his behavior, as shown in a screenshot included with the lawsuit. According to the lawsuit, McClurkin described himself as a “desperate dirty ‘old man’” in the email and admitted to forcing himself on Corletto, groping her, and noting that she had never touched him in that way. He also allegedly offered to remain a friend and pastor to her.

Two years after the email was supposedly sent, Corletto went back to McClurkin’s church while dealing with mental health issues. The lawsuit alleges that McClurkin then committed further sexual misconduct, exploiting Corletto’s weakened emotional state.

I was deeply saddened to read about what Corletto has gone through. According to the complaint, the sexual assault caused him significant harm – not just physical pain and injury, but also immense emotional distress and a real loss of enjoyment in his life. He’s now seeking a jury trial and asking for compensation to cover his damages, including legal fees and other related costs. It’s a truly heartbreaking situation, and I hope he finds some measure of justice and healing.

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2026-01-07 02:31