> At a Glance
> – Giuseppe Corletto filed suit Jan. 2 in New York County Supreme Court
> – Claims Donnie McClurkin sexually abused him from 2003-2013
> – Alleged abuse occurred during “pray-the-gay-away” sessions and at church
> – Why it matters: High-profile gospel star faces explosive misconduct claims tied to conversion-therapy efforts
A new lawsuit accuses Grammy-winning gospel artist Donnie McClurkin of years of sexual abuse against a former personal assistant who sought spiritual help for his sexuality.
The Allegations
Corletto says he met McClurkin at the pastor’s Long Island church in 2003, hoping for guidance on reconciling his faith and homosexuality. He alleges the singer promised to “deliver him from homosexuality” and hired him as a personal assistant.
- Groping during so-called “pray-the-gay-away” sessions
- Repeated assaults at the church, including moments before McClurkin preached
- Coercion to stay, with McClurkin tying Corletto’s “deliverance” to remaining at the church
According to the complaint, Corletto resigned in 2008, but an alleged assault in a Niagara Falls hotel room in 2013 prompted an apology email in which McClurkin reportedly called himself the “epitome of a desperate dirty ‘old man.'”
Legal Response
McClurkin’s attorney, Greg Lisi, rejected the claims:
> “At no time did Pastor McClurkin engage in any form of sexual abuse, assault, or sexual coercion of Mr. Corletto.”
Lisi labels the accusations “categorically false,” arguing they “grossly mischaracterize their interactions” from more than a decade ago and vows to “vigorously defend” the suit.
Corletto’s lawyer, Thomas Giuffra, says the suit seeks justice for a vulnerable person whose “religious beliefs” were exploited.
Timeline of Key Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Corletto meets McClurkin at church |
| 2008 | Corletto resigns from church role |
| 2013 | Alleged Niagara Falls assault |
| 2025 | Lawsuit filed Jan. 2 |
Key Takeaways
- Corletto claims abuse lasted roughly six years inside a mentor-mentee relationship
- He says church staff were alerted but took no action
- McClurkin, famed for hits like “Stand” and “We Fall Down,” denies all wrongdoing
The case now enters active litigation, and McClurkin’s camp says he will make no further public statements while the court process unfolds.
