A civil lawsuit filed in New York is accusing Grammy Award–winning gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin of sexually abusing a former church associate over more than a decade, allegations that McClurkin has denied through his attorney.
The complaint, filed Jan. 2 in New York County Supreme Court and reviewed by USA TODAY, was brought by Giuseppe Corletto, who alleges McClurkin assaulted him repeatedly after the two met in 2003 at Perfecting Faith Church in Long Island, New York. Corletto was 21 at the time and says he sought out McClurkin for spiritual guidance while struggling with his sexuality.
According to the lawsuit, Corletto claims McClurkin presented himself as a mentor and assured him he would help “deliver him from homosexuality.” That relationship later evolved into a professional one when Corletto began working as McClurkin’s personal assistant. The lawsuit alleges that during this period, McClurkin initiated inappropriate contact during what were described as “pray the gay away” spiritual sessions, including groping without consent.
Corletto alleges the abuse escalated over time and continued from 2007 through 2015. He claims McClurkin coerced him into “further unwanted sexual acts,” including encounters in hotel rooms while traveling on ministry-related business. The complaint states that Corletto confided in church staff members about the alleged abuse but that “no action was taken.”
The lawsuit further alleges Corletto attempted to leave his role multiple times but was pressured to remain. According to the filing, McClurkin allegedly told him that his “deliverance” and “purpose” were tied to staying under the pastor’s authority. Even after Corletto resigned from the church in 2008, the lawsuit claims McClurkin later tracked him down and assaulted him on two occasions.
One of the most serious allegations detailed in the complaint involves an alleged assault at a Niagara Falls hotel years after Corletto left his position. Corletto claims McClurkin later apologized in an email following the encounter, language his attorneys argue supports his account of abuse. Corletto says the alleged assaults caused lasting emotional distress and made it difficult for him to come forward sooner.
The lawsuit was first reported by NBC News and is being pursued under New York City’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law. The statute extends the time survivors can bring civil claims related to sexual abuse, even when alleged incidents occurred years earlier.
McClurkin, 66, has denied all allegations through his attorney, Greg Lisi. In statements provided to NBC News and Billboard, Lisi called the claims “categorically false.”
“At no time did Pastor McClurkin engage in any form of sexual abuse, assault, or sexual coercion of Mr. Corletto,” Lisi said. He added that the lawsuit “grossly mischaracterizes their interactions,” some of which he noted allegedly occurred more than two decades ago.
Lisi also emphasized that McClurkin has never been charged with a crime and intends to fight the lawsuit in court. “Pastor McClurkin denies each and every allegation of wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend against this lawsuit through the appropriate legal process,” the attorney said, declining further comment due to the ongoing litigation.
McClurkin rose to prominence in gospel music in the mid-1990s with his self-titled debut album, which earned a Grammy nomination and praise from high-profile figures including Oprah Winfrey. He went on to win multiple Grammy Awards, including best contemporary soul gospel album in 2004 for “… Again” and best gospel performance in 2010. His songs “Stand” and “We Fall Down” remain staples in gospel music.
The lawsuit comes amid broader national scrutiny of sexual misconduct allegations involving religious leaders and highlights the challenges survivors often face in reporting abuse, particularly when allegations involve spiritual authority and power imbalances. Legal experts note that civil cases brought under extended statutes aim to give survivors access to the courts even when alleged abuse occurred years earlier.
As the case proceeds, no criminal charges have been filed, and McClurkin continues to deny the allegations. The outcome will depend on the evidence presented in court, including testimony and documentation from both sides.
For survivors of sexual violence, resources are available. RAINN operates a free, confidential, 24-hour National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) and online at https://www.rainn.org.
