Everything You Need To Know About The Donnie McClurkin Allegations

Gospel Singer Donnie McClurkin Faces Sexual Abuse Lawsuit; Denies “Categorically False” Allegations

Grammy-winning pastor and former assistant in legal battle over decade-long abuse claims

Gospel music icon and pastor Donnie McClurkin is facing serious allegations in a civil lawsuit that has sent shockwaves through the faith community. The lawsuit, filed January 2, 2026, in New York County Supreme Court, accuses the three-time Grammy winner of sexual abuse spanning nearly a decade .

The Allegations

Giuseppe Corletto, now in his 40s, alleges that McClurkin groomed and sexually abused him beginning in 2003, when Corletto was 21 years old . According to the lawsuit, Corletto first encountered McClurkin at his Perfecting Faith Church in Long Island after reading the pastor’s book about overcoming homosexuality through faith .

The complaint states that during their initial meeting, McClurkin “assured him that [McClurkin] would help deliver him from homosexuality” . Corletto says what began as a mentor-mentee relationship evolved into an employment arrangement as McClurking’s personal assistant .

According to the lawsuit, during this time McClurkin held “pray the gay away” spiritual sessions in which he allegedly “groped” Corletto’s genitals without his consent . The complaint further alleges that McClurkin “coerced him into unwanted sexual acts” over the next six years .

The lawsuit claims McClurkin took Corletto on trips to the Bahamas, California, and Niagara Falls, where the pastor allegedly forced him to perform sexual acts and raped him .

“At first, it was all very innocent and what I thought was mentoring,” Corletto told NBC News. But he now believes he was being groomed from the start .

According to the complaint, Corletto attempted to quit his position several times, but McClurkin refused and told him their “purpose” and “deliverance” were connected . The lawsuit also references an email McClurkin allegedly sent to Corletto apologizing for a prior incident, in which he described himself as “a desperate dirty ‘old man'” .

The lawsuit states that Corletto “struggled to process these incidents of sexual abuse, as [McClurkin] was both his mentor and employer, making it difficult for him to speak out about the abuse he had suffered” . Corletto claims he reported the alleged abuse to church staff members, but “no action was taken” .

Corletto’s Statement

Corletto’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, said he hopes the lawsuit will provide his client with compensation, closure, and “some measure of justice for what happened to him” .

Giuffra stated that McClurkin “took advantage” of someone who was “confused and had problems accepting his sexuality coupled with his religious beliefs. It’s really very sad” .

Corletto told NBC News that he’s now in a much better place—married and no longer feeling tormented . Finding the alleged apology email, he said, left him feeling “vindicated” and reassured him that he didn’t make it up, especially as he had begun to convince himself otherwise .

McClurkin’s Response

McClurkin, 66, has strongly denied all allegations through his attorney and in a public statement on Instagram.

His attorney, Gregory S. Lisi, called the allegations “categorically false” in a statement released Tuesday, January 7, 2026 .

“At no time did Pastor McClurkin engage in any form of sexual abuse, assault, or sexual coercion of Mr. Corletto,” Lisi stated. “The claims set forth in the lawsuit grossly mischaracterize their interactions, which occurred over a decade, and some accusations over 2 decades, ago. All these allegations are contradicted by the real facts” .

On January 7, McClurkin took to Instagram to address the controversy directly, posting: “Although I have NOT yet been SERVED with the official legal complaint, I am proactively cooperating fully with the appropriate processes and will vigorously defend to the fullest against this defamatory and baseless lawsuit. I am confident that when the truth is fully known, I will be vindicated” .

In his statement, McClurkin emphasized his commitment to his faith: “My love for and walk with Christ means everything to me and is deeply sensitive and sacred…I live to please Him… which is why it is essential that the facts be established carefully, responsibly, and fairly” .

He also took issue with suggestions that he would misuse his position of power, stating: “I have always sought to conduct myself with integrity, transparency, godly care, and responsibility in the fulfillment of my Christian life and duties. This accusation of salacious engagement or ANY misconduct that harmed, exploited or took advantage of anyone and misused my position, leadership, or influence in any way in these false accusations is emphatically untrue” .

McClurkin asked his followers to reserve judgment and “trust in God’s timing for the truth to fully come to light.” He also urged followers to “pray for the accuser, as well…seriously and sincerely” .

Legal Framework and Next Steps

The lawsuit is being filed under New York City’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, which in 2022 extended the statute of limitations for plaintiffs to sue over sexual abuse allegations . While the two-year window closed in March 2025, parties have in some cases entered into “tolling agreements,” which extend the statute of limitations .

Corletto is seeking unspecified damages in the civil case .

As of this reporting, the case is in its early stages, with McClurkin indicating he has not yet been officially served with the complaint . Both parties have legal representation, and the case will proceed through the New York court system.

Context and Background

McClurkin, best known for gospel hits including “Stand” and “We Fall Down,” rose to fame in 1996 with his self-titled album . He has won Grammy awards in 2004, 2006, and 2010, and serves as senior pastor of Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, Long Island .

The lawsuit notes that McClurkin has often spoken publicly about struggling with same-sex attraction, calling it a result of childhood abuse. He has preached against homosexuality and claimed deliverance through prayer . The lawsuit alleges that his “pray the gay away” sessions were used as a cover for exploitation .

The allegations against McClurkin come amid a broader pattern of abuse cases involving gospel and Christian music leaders. In 2025, Michael Tait of DC Talk and Newsboys faced multiple accusations, and other historical cases have involved gospel figures including James Cleveland .

Moving Forward

As this legal matter unfolds, both parties have called for their perspectives to be heard. The case will proceed through the judicial system, where evidence will be presented and examined.

iPraise Radio will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available. We encourage our listeners to keep both parties in prayer as the legal process moves forward.

---

Editor’s Note: These are allegations made in a civil lawsuit. Donnie McClurkin has denied all accusations and has not been criminally charged. Under the American legal system, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.