Gospel superstar and pastor Donnie McClurkin is facing a civil lawsuit that accuses him of grooming and sexually abusing a young church member and later personal assistant over the course of nearly a decade. The lawsuit, filed January 2, 2026, in New York, has sent shockwaves through the gospel music world and the broader faith community.
🌟 How the Two First Met
According to the lawsuit, Giuseppe Corletto met McClurkin in 2003 at Perfecting Faith Church in Long Island after reading the pastor’s book about overcoming homosexuality through faith. Corletto was 21 years old, seeking spiritual guidance, and says McClurkin—then in his mid‑40s—took a strong personal interest in him.
Corletto later became McClurkin’s personal assistant, traveling with him frequently for ministry and music engagements.
🕊️ From Mentorship to Alleged Manipulation
Court filings describe a pattern that began with “spiritual healing” or “pray the gay away” sessions, during which McClurkin allegedly touched Corletto inappropriately under the guise of helping him reject same‑sex attraction.
Over time, the lawsuit claims, these sessions escalated into forced sexual acts, including oral and anal sex, occurring in:
• Hotels
• Private homes
• Travel destinations such as California, New York City, Boston, Florida, and Niagara Falls
The alleged abuse spans 2007 to 2015, even after Corletto resigned from the church in 2008. He claims McClurkin tracked him down and assaulted him on two separate occasions after his departure.
📧 The 2013 Email at the Center of the Case
One of the most explosive elements of the lawsuit is a 2013 email that Corletto says he discovered in 2025. In it, McClurkin allegedly refers to himself as a “desperate dirty ‘old man’” and apologizes for “forcing” himself on Corletto after an incident in a Niagara Falls hotel room.
The authenticity of the email has not been independently verified, but it is expected to play a major role in the case.
🧠 Emotional and Psychological Impact
Corletto says he struggled to process the alleged abuse because McClurkin was both his mentor and employer, creating a power imbalance that made it difficult to speak out. He claims he attempted to quit multiple times but was pressured to stay, being told his “deliverance” and “purpose” were tied to McClurkin.
The lawsuit states that the alleged abuse caused long‑term emotional and psychological harm.
⚖️ McClurkin’s Response
McClurkin, now 66, has categorically denied all allegations. His attorney, Greg Lisi, called the claims “gross mischaracterizations” of interactions that occurred more than a decade ago.
Lisi stated:
The lawsuit is civil, not criminal, and seeks unspecified damages.
🎤 A Gospel Icon Under Scrutiny
McClurkin is one of the most celebrated figures in gospel music, known for hits like “Stand” and “We Fall Down.” He has won three Grammy Awards and built a large ministry following over decades of preaching and performing.
The allegations have sparked intense debate within church communities, especially given McClurkin’s long‑publicized testimony about overcoming childhood sexual abuse and same‑sex attraction.
🔍 What Happens Next
The case will proceed in New York courts, where both sides are expected to present evidence, including the disputed 2013 email and testimony about the yearslong relationship between McClurkin and Corletto.
As the lawsuit unfolds, it is likely to remain one of the most closely watched cases involving a major figure in gospel music.