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Abuse Allegations Surface Against Gospel Singer
Clear Facts
- Giuseppe Corletto has accused gospel singer Donnie McClurkin of years of sexual abuse in a New York lawsuit.
- Corletto alleges the abuse began after seeking guidance at McClurkin’s church and continued during “pray the gay away” sessions while he served as McClurkin’s assistant.
- McClurkin’s attorney denies all claims, labeling them as categorically false.
Giuseppe Corletto filed a lawsuit on Friday in New York County Supreme Court, alleging Grammy-winning gospel singer Donnie McClurkin sexually abused him for several years.
Corletto claims he met McClurkin in 2003 while seeking guidance at the singer’s Long Island church and later became his assistant.
Corletto says the abuse began during “pray the gay away” sessions followed by further incidents.
Some of those incidents allegedly occurred at the church prior to McClurkin preaching, and the lawsuit alleges that when Corletto reported the abuse to church staff, no action was taken.
According to the filing, McClurkin promised to help “deliver him from homosexuality.”
Corletto claims he faced difficulty speaking out because McClurkin was both his mentor and employer.
The lawsuit includes an alleged email from McClurkin apologizing for his actions and describing himself as the “epitome of a desperate dirty ‘old man.'”
McClurkin’s attorney, Greg Lisi, responded.
“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 two decades ago. All these allegations are contradicted by the real facts.”
Donnie McClurkin is a celebrated gospel singer recognized for hits like “Stand” and “We Fall Down,” and has received multiple Grammy Awards.
Stay informed with the latest as the case develops.
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