A civil lawsuit filed in New York state court accuses Grammy-winning gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin of sexually abusing a former congregant over nearly a decade, allegations McClurkin has forcefully denied through counsel.
The complaint, filed Friday by plaintiff Giuseppe Corletto, alleges McClurkin engaged in repeated acts of sexual assault and rape between 2007 and 2015. Corletto names McClurkin as the sole defendant and seeks unspecified monetary damages for alleged physical, emotional, and psychological harm.
According to the filing, Corletto met McClurkin in 2003 after joining Perfecting Faith Church in Long Island, New York, when he was 21 years old. Corletto says he sought spiritual guidance while struggling with his sexuality. The lawsuit notes McClurkin had previously written publicly about being “delivered from homosexuality,” which Corletto claims positioned the pastor as a trusted authority figure.
The complaint alleges McClurkin provided prayer and mentorship framed around sexual “deliverance,” then later hired Corletto as a personal assistant. That role allegedly required extensive travel, during which the misconduct is said to have occurred.
Donnie McClurkin Faces Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
The lawsuit claims the first assault took place in 2007 at a hotel in California, where Corletto alleges McClurkin forced him into oral and anal sex. Additional assaults allegedly followed over the next several years during trips to New Jersey, Manhattan, Long Island, Florida, Boston, and Niagara Falls.
Corletto alleges he attempted to sever ties multiple times. However, the complaint claims McClurkin discouraged him by asserting that Corletto’s spiritual purpose and healing depended on their continued relationship. Corletto ultimately left his employment in 2008 but remained within overlapping professional and religious circles, according to the filing.
The lawsuit also includes an image of a 2013 email purportedly sent by McClurkin. In the message, the sender appears to acknowledge inappropriate sexual behavior and expresses remorse. The email has not been independently authenticated.
McClurkin’s attorney, Greg Lisi, rejected the allegations in a statement, calling them “categorically false” and inconsistent with the facts. Lisi said McClurkin “did not engage in sexual abuse, assault, or coercion” and argued that some allegations reference conduct from decades ago.
The complaint alleges Corletto suffered lasting emotional distress, physical pain, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages. McClurkin has not personally commented on the lawsuit. The case remains pending.
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