'Gospel Master' Donnie McClurkin Accused of Sexual Abuse... "I Am a Dirty Old Man" Email Scandal

A living legend in the gospel world, Donnie McClurkin (66), who has won Grammy Awards and sold over 13 million albums worldwide, is embroiled in a shocking sexual scandal. He is accused of grooming and sexually abusing a young man who sought his help to heal his homosexual tendencies over several years.

According to major foreign media outlets including NBC News on the 6th (local time), the plaintiff Giuseppe Corletto filed a civil lawsuit against McClurkin in a New York court on the 2nd.

◆ "Claimed Healing Prayer... It Was Grooming Crime"

The lawsuit states that the incident dates back to 2003. At that time, 21-year-old Corletto, conflicted between his sexual identity and faith, sought help from McClurkin after reading his autobiography, which claimed he had overcome homosexuality through faith. Corletto, who began working as McClurkin's assistant in 2004, claims that starting in 2006, during so-called 'Pray the Gay Away' sessions, he began to be sexually assaulted by McClurkin. He revealed that "the level of abuse escalated to rape during business trips," and that this hellish time continued until 2015.

◆ Key Evidence: "I Am a Desperate Dirty Old Man"

The most significant evidence in this lawsuit is the 2013 email submitted by Corletto. This email, sent by McClurkin to Corletto shortly after an incident at a hotel in Niagara Falls, contains content that seems to acknowledge his actions.

In the released email, McClurkin refers to himself as a "desperate dirty 'old man'" and writes that he has become a typical case of "grooming young people seeking help and spirituality". He also states, "It was terribly wrong to try to force you to accept it," which is expected to be a key issue in the legal dispute.

Corletto explained the background of the lawsuit, saying, "I rediscovered this email in 2025 and became convinced that I was not crazy."

◆ McClurkin's Side: "Malicious Distortion"

In response, McClurkin's attorney, Greg Leach, immediately issued a statement denying the allegations, saying, "Pastor McClurkin has never been involved in any form of sexual abuse or coercion." He rebutted that "the lawsuit's content seriously distorts interactions from 10 to 20 years ago."

This lawsuit is proceeding under the 'New York City Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law,' which allows sexual violence victims to file civil lawsuits regardless of the statute of limitations. Attention is focused on whether the true face of the gospel master, who has achieved a dazzling record including 10 Stella Awards, will be revealed in the church and music industry.