By Status Ain't Hood Staff
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January 5, 2026
A new lawsuit alleges that Grammy-winning gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin sexually abused a young man over several years and later sent an apology email referring to himself as a “dirty ‘old man.’” The plaintiff, Giuseppe Corletto, says he first sought out McClurkin in 2003 while struggling to reconcile his sexuality with his religious faith. According to the lawsuit, Corletto, then 21, attended an event at McClurkin’s church on Long Island after reading the singer’s autobiography, which described overcoming what McClurkin called the “curse” of homosexuality. Corletto told NBC News that McClurkin spoke at the event about being raped as a child, which resonated with him because of similar experiences. Afterward, Corletto said he was brought to meet McClurkin, who took an immediate interest in him. What initially appeared to be mentorship, Corletto now believes, was grooming. The lawsuit alleges that McClurkin molested him during “pray the gay away” spiritual sessions and that the abuse escalated over several years while Corletto worked as McClurkin’s assistant and traveled with him. The complaint says Corletto struggled to come forward because McClurkin was both his mentor and employer. McClurkin, now 66, has denied the allegations through his attorney. “At no time did Pastor McClurkin engage in any form of sexual abuse, assault, or sexual coercion of Mr. Corletto,” attorney Greg Lisi said in a statement, calling the claims “categorically false” and saying they mischaracterize interactions that occurred decades ago. The lawsuit also alleges that after a 2013 incident at a Niagara Falls hotel, McClurkin sent Corletto an email apologizing for his actions.