Gospel Singer and minister Donnie McClurkin responded to allegations of misconduct made by his former personal assistant, Giuseppe Corletto.
Corletto, 43, filed a lawsuit in New York County Supreme Court on January 2, 2026. In court documents, Corletto claims he was 21 years old when he first met McClurkin at his Perfecting Faith Church in August 2003.
He accused McClurkin, 66, of “grooming” and making unwanted advances toward him.
McClurkin went live on social media to deny the claims. He suggested that Corletto’s claims are motivated by money.
In the video, McClurkin thanked his supporters for praying for him and for showing support. He said, “I thank God for truth which you have not heard.”
He went on to say that his supporters will hear the truth soon. McClurkin said he doesn’t understand “the machinations” of Corletto’s mind. He said he hasn’t seen or spoken to Corletto since 2015.
“People do things for different reasons. Most of them are monetarily motivated,” he said.
McClurkin said Corletto’s allegations discredits people who really are victims. He said it’s a shame, but “truth will always prevail” and “the disturbed minds of other people cannot prohibit the truth from speaking loudly.”
McClurkin said a lie is very loud and quick, but the truth is slow walking.
His attorney, Greg Lisi, said the allegations against the pastor are “categorically false.”
“At no time did Pastor McClurkin engage in any form of s*xual abuse, assault, or s*xual coercion of Mr. Corletto,” Lisi, said in a statement sent to NBC News. “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.”
McClurkin previously came out as gay. He said he still struggles with his s*xuality and he fears he will be alone for the rest of his life.
Donnie McClurkin – We Fall Down
