Allegations Against Donnie McClurkin
In a lawsuit filed on Friday in New York County Supreme Court, Giuseppe Corletto accuses Grammy-winning gospel singer Donnie McClurkin of sexual abuse over several years. Corletto asserts that the alleged abuse took place while she was working as McClurkin’s assistant, which began when they met in 2003. She claims that during what were termed “get the gays out” sessions, she was sexually assaulted, with further incidents occurring in the years that followed.
In response, McClurkin’s lawyer, Greg Lisi, has denied the allegations, labeling them as “categorically false.”
According to the lawsuit, Corletto sought guidance from McClurkin at his Long Island church while grappling with her sexuality and faith. There, McClurkin allegedly promised to help her “free herself from homosexuality.” The relationship reportedly evolved into a mentor-mentee dynamic, with Corletto eventually becoming McClurkin’s assistant. She claims that McClurkin first groped her without consent during a “session” and then proceeded to sexually assault her repeatedly over six years, including an incident in a church prior to a sermon.
The lawsuit further claims that after Corletto reported the alleged abuse to church officials, “no action was taken.” It also mentions the struggle of McClurkin, her mentor and employer, to address the situation due to the complexities involved.
As part of her filings, Corletto reportedly included an email where McClurkin apologized for his actions and described himself as “the epitome of a hopeless, dirty ‘old man.'”
Best known for his gospel hits “Stand” and “We Fall Down,” McClurkin has earned Grammy nominations, winning multiple awards between 2004 and 2010. His work has also received recognition from Oprah Winfrey.
In further comments, McClurkin’s attorney emphasized that the pastor has never engaged in any form of sexual misconduct against Corletto. He criticized the lawsuit, suggesting that it misrepresents their interactions over the years and contradicts established facts.
