A popular pastor and musician has been accused of sexually assaulting a young man who turned to him for help. A new lawsuit claims Donnie McClurkin abused a man during a “Pray the Gay Away” session. He is accused of writing an apology email in which he apparently described himself as a “dirty old man”.
Donnie McClurkin is accused of sexually abusing a young man for several years
According to reports, alleged victim Giuseppe Corletto has filed a lawsuit against the priest nbc newsIn it, he states that he met McClurkin at a church event after reading his book, which described how he had defeated the “curse” of homosexuality,
In an interview with NBC News, Giuseppe explained that the priest “talked about being raped as a child, which resonated with me because it’s similar to my story.”
Giuseppe claims that McClurkin first sexually assaulted her during a “Pray the Gay Away” session. The lawsuit says the alleged abuse continued for years, with Giuseppe becoming the priest’s personal assistant. One incident cited involves McClurkin allegedly raping Giuseppe in a hotel room during a trip to California in 2007.
The lawsuit states that Giuseppe “struggled to act on these incidents of sexual abuse because (McClurkin) was both his mentor and employer, making it difficult for him to speak out about the abuse he experienced.”
The lawsuit also claims McClurkin sent Giuseppe an email in 2013 apologizing for his behavior. It reportedly read: “I am the literal epitome of a desperate dirty ‘old man’ who pawns off and captures a young person who is looking for friendship and close relationship with someone he looks to for help, guidance and spirituality. I feel so bad…so stupid.”
McClurkin has won three Grammy Awards and sold millions of albums. Their album was included among Oprah Winfrey’s Favorite Things in 1996. He denies the claims. A statement from his lawyer said the allegations were “categorically false”.
Help is available for anyone experiencing sexual abuse: RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline – 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)