Gospel Singer Donnie McClurkin Sued for Sexual Abuse
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Donnie McClurkin Sued for Alleged Sexual Abuse by Former assistant
Table of Contents
Grammy-winning gospel singer adn minister Donnie McClurkin is facing a civil lawsuit alleging years of sexual abuse against his former personal assistant, Giuseppe Corletto.
The Allegations
Giuseppe Corletto alleges that Donnie McClurkin, 66, sexually assaulted him numerous times between 2004 and 2015. The lawsuit,filed in New York County Supreme Court,details accusations of sexual assault,sexual battery,and coercive control.
According to court documents, Corletto met McClurkin in 2003 while attending a reading for the singer’s book, “Eternal Victim, Eternal Victor,” wich details McClurkin’s experience with “being delivered on homosexuality.” Corletto, then 21 and struggling with his sexuality, sought guidance from McClurkin, who subsequently hired him as a personal assistant.
The lawsuit claims that a mentor-mentee relationship quickly devolved into abuse, including alleged “pray the gay away” sessions during which McClurkin allegedly groped Corletto. The complaint further alleges McClurkin created situations designed to “test” Corletto’s faith,involving other men.
A particularly disturbing allegation details a 2007 incident in California, where McClurkin allegedly sexually assaulted Corletto in a hotel room, including forced kissing, unwanted touching, and anal sex.
McClurkin’s Response
A legal representative for Donnie McClurkin has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “categorically false.”
Attorney Gregory S. Lisi stated, “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. All these allegations are contradicted by the real facts.”
Lisi further stated that McClurkin denies all wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend himself against the lawsuit. He indicated that McClurkin would not be commenting further due to the active litigation.
Context and Background
McClurkin’s Public Stance on Homosexuality
Donnie McClurkin has been a vocal opponent of homosexuality, publicly stating his belief that individuals can change their sexual orientation through faith. His 2001 book,”Eternal Victim,Eternal Victor,” details his personal journey and his views on the subject. This public stance adds a layer of complexity to the current allegations