Donnie McClurkin lawsuit alleges long-term abuse and grooming
*Gospel icon Donnie McClurkin is going through a civil lawsuit that has rocked the religion and music communities. Filed on January 2 (2026), in New York, the lawsuit accuses McClurkin of grooming and sexually abusing Giuseppe Corletto over practically a decade. Corletto met McClurkin in 2003 at a church occasion in Lengthy Island after studying his guide about overcoming homosexuality by way of God.
On the time, Corletto was 21 years previous and in search of steering. He says McClurkin, then 44, took a robust private curiosity in him. What started as mentorship changed into emotional management, manipulation, and finally, sexual abuse, in line with the Donnie McClurkin lawsuit.
‘Pray the homosexual away’ classes allegedly turned abusive
In line with courtroom filings, McClurkin started “religious therapeutic” classes aimed toward serving to Corletto reject his same-sex sights. These classes allegedly included inappropriate touching and molestation. The Donnie McClurkin lawsuit claims this conduct escalated into full sexual abuse over the subsequent a number of years.
Corletto says the abuse occurred in motels, houses, and journey places, together with California, New York Metropolis, Boston, Florida, and Niagara Falls. He labored as McClurkin’s private assistant and traveled continuously, usually sharing shut quarters with him. The lawsuit describes repeated incidents of compelled oral and anal intercourse between 2007 and 2015.
E mail from McClurkin allegedly reveals guilt
Probably the most explosive components of the Donnie McClurkin lawsuit is a 2013 electronic mail from the gospel star to Corletto. Within the message, McClurkin allegedly known as himself a “determined soiled ‘previous man’” and apologized for forcing himself on Corletto. The authenticity of the e-mail has not been verified; nevertheless, it performs a vital function within the case.
The e-mail was reportedly despatched after an incident in a Niagara Falls lodge. It seems to point out McClurkin acknowledging inappropriate conduct throughout a interval when the abuse was ongoing. Corletto says the message marked a turning level in his emotional wrestle.
McClurkin strongly denies all accusations
Donnie McClurkin, now 66, has denied each declare within the lawsuit by way of his legal professional, Greg Lisi. Lisi known as the allegations “categorically false” and stated no abuse, coercion, or assault ever came about. He added that the case distorts a long-past relationship and paints it inaccurately.
In a public assertion, Lisi stated: “At no time did Pastor McClurkin have interaction in any type of sexual abuse, assault, or sexual coercion of Mr. Corletto. The claims outlined within the lawsuit grossly mischaracterize their interactions.” The lawsuit is civil, not prison, and seeks unspecified damages.
Shared trauma linked the singer and his accuser
Corletto says he was drawn to McClurkin due to their shared historical past of childhood abuse. On the church occasion the place they first met, McClurkin spoke publicly about being raped as a toddler. Corletto, who had an analogous previous, felt an emotional bond with the singer.
After that assembly, he was launched to McClurkin in non-public. “At first, it was all very harmless and what I believed was mentoring,” Corletto advised NBC Information. However he now believes the connection was manipulative from the beginning.
The gospel world faces rising abuse allegations
The Donnie McClurkin lawsuit is the most recent in a string of abuse circumstances involving gospel and Christian music leaders. In 2025, Michael Tait of DC Discuss and Newsboys fame confronted a number of accusations of grooming and undesirable advances. Different historic circumstances embody James Cleveland, who was sued posthumously in 1992 for sexual abuse.
These circumstances usually contain religious authority, trauma, and a scarcity of accountability. Critics say the gospel trade has lengthy ignored abuse behind the scenes. The McClurkin case could also be a turning level in how church buildings and followers reply.
Why the Donnie McClurkin lawsuit issues now
McClurkin is one among gospel music’s most recognizable figures. He has gained a number of Grammy Awards and is thought for hits like “We Fall Down” and “Stand.” He additionally serves as a pastor and speaks broadly about overcoming private struggles.
The lawsuit threatens to alter how the general public views his legacy. Supporters say his testimony has helped many, however critics argue that abuse allegations should be taken critically. Whether or not confirmed or not, the case raises essential questions on religious management and energy.
McClurkin’s previous views on sexuality underneath scrutiny
Donnie McClurkin has usually spoken about scuffling with same-sex attraction, calling it a results of childhood abuse. He has preached in opposition to homosexuality and claimed deliverance by way of prayer. These beliefs helped construct his ministry, however they’re additionally now central to the lawsuit’s claims.
The Donnie McClurkin lawsuit alleges that his “pray the homosexual away” classes had been used as a canopy for exploitation. Corletto says these religious teachings blurred the strains between religion and management. The case could spark wider dialogue about church-based efforts to suppress LGBTQ identities.
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