A Grammy-winning gospel singer and prominent pastor is facing explosive allegations that he sexually abused a young man over several years while presenting himself as a spiritual mentor and guide.
According to a civil lawsuit detailed by NBC News, Donnie McClurkin is accused of using religious authority, counseling sessions, and promises of spiritual “deliverance” to manipulate and sexually exploit a young man who sought his help as a vulnerable adult.
The lawsuit, filed in New York, was brought by Giuseppe Corletto, who says he met McClurkin in 2003 when he was 21 years old and struggling with his faith, sexuality, and sense of identity. Corletto says he turned to McClurkin after reading the pastor’s widely known testimony about overcoming same-sex attraction through religion.
From Mentorship to Alleged Abuse
Court filings allege that what began as spiritual counseling slowly escalated into a coercive and abusive relationship. Corletto claims McClurkin framed their interactions as part of religious “healing” sessions, while allegedly initiating unwanted sexual contact behind closed doors.
The lawsuit alleges incidents occurred over multiple years and in multiple locations, including hotels, private residences, and during travel connected to McClurkin’s ministry and music career. Corletto says the power imbalance — pastor and parishioner, mentor and follower — left him feeling trapped and unable to refuse.
According to the complaint, McClurkin allegedly used religious language and spiritual pressure to maintain control, warning that resistance or leaving the relationship could jeopardize Corletto’s salvation or spiritual growth.
Alleged Email Cited in Lawsuit
One of the most striking claims in the lawsuit references an email allegedly sent by McClurkin in 2013, in which he reportedly apologized and described himself as a “desperate dirty old man” who had crossed boundaries. The lawsuit includes the email as evidence, though its authenticity has not been independently verified in court.
The lawsuit does not involve criminal charges, but instead seeks monetary damages under New York’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, which allows survivors to pursue civil accountability for abuse rooted in power and coercion.
McClurkin Denies All Allegations
Through his attorney, McClurkin has categorically denied the claims. His legal team says he never engaged in sexual abuse, assault, or coercion and disputes the plaintiff’s version of events. They have described the lawsuit as a distortion of past interactions and say McClurkin intends to fight the allegations.
A Reckoning for Faith Communities
The case has sent shockwaves through the gospel music world and religious communities, where McClurkin has long been celebrated as both a spiritual leader and award-winning artist.
The allegations have also reignited difficult conversations about power, sexuality, and accountability in religious spaces, particularly when leaders position themselves as gatekeepers to spiritual healing while counseling vulnerable followers.
As the civil case moves forward, no findings of fact have yet been made. The allegations remain unproven, and McClurkin has not been charged with a crime. Still, the lawsuit raises serious questions that are likely to continue drawing public scrutiny.
