Donnie McClurkin Slams “Contrived and Untrue” Sexual Abuse Allegations In New Lawsuit
Gospel icon Donnie McClurkin is officially responding to the shocking sexual abuse lawsuit that has rocked the Christian community.
The civil complaint, filed in Manhattan by Giuseppe Corletto, accuses the Grammy-winning pastor of years of grooming and assault that allegedly started within the walls of Perfecting Faith Church. Corletto claims the misconduct began during "spiritual counseling" sessions intended to change his sexuality and continued after he was hired as McClurkin’s personal assistant.
After his attorney, Gregory S. Lisi, initially called the claims "categorically false," McClurkin took to his own platform to speak directly to his followers.
In a detailed statement, he firmly denied the accusations, calling them "contrived and untrue." He wrote, "With all humility, faith, and deep respect for Christ and this global gospel music and ministry community which has shaped my life, my calling, and my character; I address this letter. I want to state clearly and unequivocally that these allegations are contrived and untrue!"
The pastor emphasized his commitment to integrity, adding, "True Survivors deserve to be heard, protected, and supported! At the same time, the TRUTH matters! And the TRUTH has not been told!"
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The lawsuit, however, presents a much darker narrative, alleging that McClurkin used "biblical manipulation" to keep Corletto silent. The accuser says he felt "brainwashed" to believe his spiritual salvation was tied to the pastor, making it impossible to walk away.
The most viral detail of the case is an alleged 2013 email in which McClurkin reportedly apologized for his behavior, referring to himself as a "desperate dirty 'old man.'" Corletto says finding that message years later was his confirmation that he "wasn’t crazy" and that the trauma he experienced was real.
McClurkin ended his response by stating that he has not yet been formally served with the legal papers but plans to "vigorously defend" himself to the fullest. He urged the community to avoid rushing to judgment and even made a surprising request regarding the man who sued him.
"I am confident that when the truth is fully known, I will be vindicated," he wrote, concluding with, "Please pray for the accuser, as well… seriously and sincerely!"