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Gospel Singer Donnie McClurkin Denies Sexual Assault Allegations in Lawsuit
Grammy-winning gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin has firmly rejected sexual assault allegations brought against him in a recent lawsuit filed by his former personal assistant.
In an Instagram statement posted January 8, McClurkin described the accusations as “categorically false” and “contrived and untrue.” The post included a formal statement from his attorney addressing the lawsuit filed just days earlier.
“I want to state clearly and unequivocally that these allegations are contrived and untrue,” McClurkin wrote. “I understand the weight of such false claims, especially in our community rooted in faith, trust, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.”
The lawsuit, filed on January 2 in New York County Supreme Court by Giuseppe Corletto, alleges that McClurkin sexually abused him over several years while Corletto worked as his assistant. According to court documents, Corletto claims the abuse began in 2003 during what he characterized as “pray the gay away” sessions and continued for years afterward.
Greg Lisi, McClurkin’s attorney, has strongly refuted these claims, stating: “At no time did Pastor McClurkin engage in any form of sexual abuse, assault, or sexual coercion of Mr. Corletto. The claims set forth in the lawsuit grossly mischaracterize their interactions, which occurred over a decade, and some accusations over 2 decades, ago.”
In his statement, McClurkin emphasized that sexual violence is “a real and painful reality for many, and not to be used frivolously,” adding that “true survivors deserve to be heard, protected, and supported.” He concluded his message by asserting that “the TRUTH matters! And the TRUTH has not been told!”
Corletto’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, has stated that he hopes the lawsuit will bring his client “some measure of justice.” Giuffra suggested that McClurkin exploited someone who was struggling with reconciling his sexuality with his religious beliefs.
The case highlights ongoing tensions within some religious communities regarding approaches to sexuality and spiritual guidance. McClurkin, 64, has been a prominent figure in gospel music for decades, winning three Grammy Awards throughout his career and serving as pastor of the Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, New York.
This lawsuit comes at a time when religious institutions face increasing scrutiny regarding their handling of sexual misconduct allegations. Recent years have seen a surge in cases brought under various state laws that have extended or suspended statutes of limitations for sexual abuse claims, allowing victims to pursue legal action for incidents that occurred years or even decades ago.
As the legal process unfolds, the allegations against McClurkin will likely prompt broader discussions about accountability, power dynamics, and appropriate boundaries in religious counseling relationships. The case may also impact McClurkin’s standing in the gospel music industry, where he has been a leading voice for over thirty years.
Neither McClurkin nor Corletto has announced any further public statements as the lawsuit moves forward through the New York court system. The case is expected to draw significant attention within both religious and music communities as more details emerge in the coming months.
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5 Comments
Sexual abuse allegations against religious leaders are always very concerning. I’ll reserve judgment until the facts are fully established through the courts. Sensitivity and due process are critical in such sensitive matters.
This is a complex, high-profile case that deserves a thorough, impartial investigation. I hope the legal process can shed light on what really happened and provide justice, whichever way the facts point.
Allegations of sexual abuse are always deeply troubling. I hope the truth comes to light through the proper legal channels, whatever that may be. This is a sensitive situation that requires care and discretion.
Denying such claims so forcefully suggests McClurkin is confident he can disprove them. However, the legal system must evaluate the evidence objectively before reaching any conclusions. I’ll be following this case with an open mind.
This is a very serious allegation against a prominent gospel figure. It’s crucial that the legal process plays out fully and impartially to determine the facts. Rushing to judgment, either way, would be unwise.