Donnie McClurkin has broken his silence after being accused of sexually abusing a former congregant, telling his followers that he "will be vindicated."
In a new civil lawsuit filed in New York's Manhattan Supreme Court, the plaintiff, Giuseppe Corletto, claims he was the victim of grooming, manipulation, and assault at the hands of the Grammy-winning gospel star and pastor.
When the allegations first came to light, McClurkin denied them via his attorney, who called the claims "categorically false," stating that the pastor never engaged in sexual abuse or coercion and that the lawsuit misrepresents decades-old interactions.
On Wednesday (January 7), McClurkin issued a longer statement, which he shared via his official Instagram.
"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," he began, before denying the allegations once more.
"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~!
"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~!"
McClurkin continued: "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 exercises patience and trust in God’s timing for the truth to fully come to light.
"I have always sought to conduct myself with integrity, transparency, godly care, and responsibility in the fulfillment 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."
Closing his statement, which was shared through his attorney, Gregory S. Lisi, he added: "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."
McClurkin concluded by asking his followers to "please pray for the accuser" and thanked everyone for their "continued prayers, support, and faith."
According to the lawsuit, the alleged abuse occurred during so-called spiritual counseling sessions aimed at changing Corletto’s sexuality, which is claimed to have escalated as he began working as McClurkin’s assistant and traveling with him.
Corletto claimed the power imbalance — McClurkin was both a religious leader and his employer — made it difficult to speak up. "I thought I was to blame," he said. "I was brainwashed to think that my deliverance was wrapped up in him."
The complaint describes incidents at hotels during work trips and at McClurkin’s house of worship, Perfecting Faith Church, alleging that McClurkin used religious language and scripture to guilt Corletto into staying quiet. Corletto claims he attempted to leave multiple times but was persuaded to remain by comparisons to biblical mentor-mentee relationships.
One of the most striking accusations centers on an email McClurkin allegedly sent after an incident in 2013. In it, McClurkin is claimed to have apologized for forcing Corletto into situations he said no to, allegedly calling himself "a desperate dirty 'old man.'"
Corletto said that finding the alleged message years later helped him understand he "wasn’t crazy" and didn’t imagine what happened.