Donnie McClurkin, a celebrated Grammy Award-winning gospel singer and pastor, is currently embroiled in a legal controversy that has sent shockwaves through the faith community and beyond. A man, identified as Giuseppe Corletto, has filed a lawsuit alleging that McClurkin sexually abused him for years. This situation is made more complex by claims that in a 2013 email, McClurkin referred to himself as a “dirty ‘old man’” and apologized for his actions.
The lawsuit was filed in the Manhattan Supreme Court, revealing a troubling narrative that dates back to 2003. Corletto, who was 21 at the time, states he sought out McClurkin after being inspired by the singer’s autobiography, which tells a compelling story of overcoming the “curse” of homosexuality through faith. McClurkin, then 43, was seen as a mentor, but Corletto claims that this relationship morphed into one of manipulation and abuse.
As detailed in the lawsuit, what began as mentorship soon transitioned into grooming. Corletto describes how, during what were supposed to be spiritual sessions, McClurkin allegedly began to molest him. The situation escalated over the years, leading Corletto to serve as McClurkin’s assistant. This dynamic, he claims, complicated his ability to process the abuse since McClurkin was not only a mentor but also an employer, leaving him feeling trapped and unable to speak out.
In defense of the allegations, Attorney Greg Lisi, representing the 66-year-old pastor, has categorically denied the claims, describing them as “false.” He asserts that there was no sexual abuse, assault, or coercion involved, labeling the allegations a gross mischaracterization of their relationship over the past two decades. Lisi emphasizes that the “real facts” contradict Corletto’s allegations.
Perhaps the most striking claim in the lawsuit revolves around a 2013 incident that reportedly took place in a hotel room in Niagara Falls. Corletto alleges that after this incident, McClurkin sent him an email, where he seemingly admits to inappropriate behavior and expresses remorse. Corletto recounted discovering this email in 2025, presenting it as a pivotal piece of evidence that he believes vindicates him.
In the controversial email, McClurkin openly refers to himself as “the actual epitome of a desperate dirty ‘old man.’” He also reflects on his actions, apologizing for “pawn[ing] and groping” Corletto, admitting to a wrong attitude, and acknowledging attempts to force a relationship on Corletto that was not consensual. His words, “I was horribly wrong trying to force you into something that you were consistently saying no to,” underscore the gravity of the allegations.
McClurkin has a tumultuous history that adds another layer to this situation. In his 2001 autobiography, Eternal Victim-Eternal Victor, he discusses being sexually abused by his uncle at the age of eight, a trauma he claims has deeply influenced his struggles with his sexuality. He narrates, “A seed had been planted,” indicating that this early abuse affected the course of his life for years to come.
Corletto reportedly cut ties with McClurkin in 2008, but he claims that the pastor continued to pursue him. Following the troubling 2013 incident, Corletto has stated that he struggled with suicidal thoughts and eventually returned to McClurkin’s church, although leaving again thereafter. His attorney, Thomas Giuffra, states that the lawsuit aims to provide Corletto with financial compensation, closure, and “some measure of justice” in light of these harrowing allegations.