Ex-gay gospel singer Donnie McClurkin accused of sexual assault

A civil lawsuit filed Jan. 2 in Manhattan accuses gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin of sexual assault and sexual battery spanning more than a decade; McClurkin denies the allegations and says he has not yet been formally served.

A civil suit filed in New York Supreme Court in Manhattan alleges that gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin sexually abused a younger man over an extended period. The accuser, Giuseppe Corletto, says he was McClurkin's assistant and that the conduct began when he was in his early 20s. McClurkin has publicly denied the claims and said he will defend himself. The case draws attention in part because McClurkin is a known performer who has appeared at high-profile political events and has discussed his past views on sexuality. Key points: - The suit was filed Jan. 2 in New York Supreme Court in Manhattan and seeks a jury trial and unspecified damages. - The plaintiff, Giuseppe Corletto, alleges sexual assault and sexual battery over more than a decade and says some incidents were documented in communications found recently. - Donnie McClurkin, identified in the suit, has denied the allegations and called them untrue; he said he had not yet been formally served with the complaint. - Corletto's lawyer says the plaintiff was vulnerable over issues of sexuality and religion while working for McClurkin. Summary: The filing has opened a civil legal process that will be resolved through the courts, with the plaintiff seeking a jury trial and the defendant contesting the claims. Undetermined at this time.