Donnie McClurkin lawsuit alleges long-term abuse and grooming
*Gospel icon Donnie McClurkin is facing a civil lawsuit that has rocked the faith and music communities. Filed on January 2 (2026), in New York, the lawsuit accuses McClurkin of grooming and sexually abusing Giuseppe Corletto over nearly a decade. Corletto met McClurkin in 2003 at a church event in Long Island after reading his book about overcoming homosexuality through God.
At the time, Corletto was 21 years old and seeking guidance. He says McClurkin, then 44, took a strong personal interest in him. What began as mentorship turned into emotional control, manipulation, and eventually, sexual abuse, according to the Donnie McClurkin lawsuit.
‘Pray the gay away’ sessions allegedly turned abusive
According to court filings, McClurkin began “spiritual healing” sessions aimed at helping Corletto reject his same-sex attractions. These sessions allegedly included inappropriate touching and molestation. The Donnie McClurkin lawsuit claims this behavior escalated into full sexual abuse over the next several years.
Corletto says the abuse occurred in hotels, homes, and travel locations, including California, New York City, Boston, Florida, and Niagara Falls. He worked as McClurkin’s personal assistant and traveled frequently, often sharing close quarters with him. The lawsuit describes repeated incidents of forced oral and anal sex between 2007 and 2015.
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Email from McClurkin allegedly reveals guilt
One of the most explosive elements of the Donnie McClurkin lawsuit is a 2013 email from the gospel star to Corletto. In the message, McClurkin allegedly called himself a “desperate dirty ‘old man'” and apologized for forcing himself on Corletto. The authenticity of the email has not been verified; however, it plays a crucial role in the case.
The email was reportedly sent after an incident in a Niagara Falls hotel. It appears to show McClurkin acknowledging inappropriate behavior during a period when the abuse was ongoing. Corletto says the message marked a turning point in his emotional struggle.
McClurkin strongly denies all accusations
Donnie McClurkin, now 66, has denied every claim in the lawsuit through his attorney, Greg Lisi. Lisi called the allegations “categorically false” and said no abuse, coercion, or assault ever took place. He added that the case distorts a long-past relationship and paints it inaccurately.
In a public statement, Lisi said: “At no time did Pastor McClurkin engage in any form of sexual abuse, assault, or sexual coercion of Mr. Corletto. The claims outlined in the lawsuit grossly mischaracterize their interactions.” The lawsuit is civil, not criminal, and seeks unspecified damages.
Shared trauma connected the singer and his accuser
Corletto says he was drawn to McClurkin because of their shared history of childhood abuse. At the church event where they first met, McClurkin spoke publicly about being raped as a child. Corletto, who had a similar past, felt an emotional bond with the singer.
After that meeting, he was introduced to McClurkin in private. “At first, it was all very innocent and what I thought was mentoring,” Corletto told NBC News. But he now believes the relationship was manipulative from the start.
The gospel world faces growing abuse allegations
The Donnie McClurkin lawsuit is the latest in a string of abuse cases involving gospel and Christian music leaders. In 2025, Michael Tait of DC Talk and Newsboys fame faced multiple accusations of grooming and unwanted advances. Other historical cases include James Cleveland, who was sued posthumously in 1992 for sexual abuse.
These cases often involve spiritual authority, trauma, and a lack of accountability. Critics say the gospel industry has long ignored abuse behind the scenes. The McClurkin case may be a turning point in how churches and fans respond.
Why the Donnie McClurkin lawsuit matters now
McClurkin is one of gospel music’s most recognizable figures. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and is known for hits like “We Fall Down” and “Stand.” He also serves as a pastor and speaks widely about overcoming personal struggles.
The lawsuit threatens to change how the public views his legacy. Supporters say his testimony has helped many, but critics argue that abuse allegations must be taken seriously. Whether proven or not, the case raises important questions about spiritual leadership and power.
McClurkin’s past views on sexuality under scrutiny
Donnie McClurkin has often spoken about struggling with same-sex attraction, calling it a result of childhood abuse. He has preached against homosexuality and claimed deliverance through prayer. Those beliefs helped build his ministry, but they’re also now central to the lawsuit’s claims.
The Donnie McClurkin lawsuit alleges that his “pray the gay away” sessions were used as a cover for exploitation. Corletto says these spiritual teachings blurred the lines between faith and control. The case may spark wider discussion about church-based efforts to suppress LGBTQ identities.
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