Grammy-winning gospel singer and pastor, Donnie McClurkin, has strongly denied and rejected claims of sexual allegations made against him in a lawsuit where his former assistant alleged that the singer abused him over several years while serving as his spiritual mentor and employer.
The plaintiff, Giuseppe Corletto, alleged that McClurkin admitted to the abuse, which allegedly began after he sought spiritual guidance from McClurkin in 2003 while struggling to reconcile his sexuality with his Christian faith, in an email in which he described himself as a “dirty ‘old man.”
Reacting to the lawsuit, filed on Friday in Manhattan state Supreme Court in the United States, the 66-year-old gospel music icon denied the allegations through his attorney, describing Corletto’s claims as “categorically false.”
“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! Many of you are aware of the profane allegations of sexual assault/rape and coercion that have been recently lodged against me. I want to state clearly and unequivocally that these allegations are contrived and untrue,” the statement read.
While admitting that true victims of abuse must be heard and protected, his lawyer, in a statement posted by the gospel icon on his official Instagram handle, said his former assistant has not told the truth.
It continued, “I understand the weight of such false claims, especially in our community rooted in faith, trust, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. And sexual violence, in any form, is a real and painful reality for many, and not to be used frivolously. True survivors deserve to be heard, protected, and supported! At the same time, the TRUTH matters! And the TRUTH has not been told!
“And though I know many have already formed their opinions based on initial belief and controversy, as we are apt to do with something of this false nature… I ask that this community exercise patience and trust in God’s timing for the truth to fully come to light.”
McClurkin revealed that he had not yet been officially served by the court and maintains he would be vindicated when the truth comes out, but called for prayer for his former assistant over the lawsuit he described as baseless.
He added, I have always sought to conduct myself with integrity, transparency, godly care, and responsibility in the fulfilment of my Christian life and duties. This accusation of salacious engagement or ANY misconduct that harmed, exploited, or took advantage of anyone and misused my position, leadership, or influence in any way in these false accusations is emphatically untrue.
“My love for and walk with Christ means everything to me and is deeply sensitive and sacred… I live to please Him… which is why it is essential that the facts be established carefully, responsibly, and fairly. Although I have NOT yet been SERVED with the official legal complaint, I am proactively cooperating fully with the appropriate processes and will vigorously defend to the fullest against this defamatory and baseless lawsuit.
I am confident that when the truth is fully known, I will be vindicated. Please pray for the accuser, as well… seriously and sincerely~! I thank everyone for their continued prayers, support, and faith.”
