A Brooklyn priest embroiled in controversy over his church’s involvement in a Sabrina Carpenter music video has been removed from his duties.
Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello faced backlash last November after allowing Carpenter to use the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Williamsburg Brooklyn as the set for her Feather music video.
The controversy has unexpectedly led to the priest being investigated for financial misconduct, according to a statement.
Bishop Robert Brennan of the Brooklyn Diocese announced Gigantiello’s dismissal on Monday, citing allegations of unauthorized transfers of $1.9million (£1.5m) in church funds to accounts allegedly linked to Frank Carone, a former aide to NYC Mayor Eric Adams, who is under corruption investigation.
While some funds were repaid with interest, the transfers reportedly violated diocesan policies and were not reported properly. Federal authorities have subpoenaed the church for more information, and the diocese is cooperating with the investigation.
‘I am saddened to share that investigations conducted by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP have uncovered evidence of serious violations of Diocesan policies and protocols at Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Annunciation Parish,’ the bishop said.
‘In order to safeguard the public trust, and to protect church funds, I have appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as administrator of the Parish.’
The church was previously criticized for allowing Carpenter to film scenes inside its sanctuary, with some parishioners feeling the video was too suggestive for a church setting.
The music video included ‘suggestive’ imagery filmed at the altar, including the 25 year old pop star dancing in a short black dress with a veil.
At points in the video, Carpenter is seen arriving in front of the distinctive church’s facade in a pink hearse and then dancing in front of the altar alongside a colorful array of faux coffins.
Gigantiello had admitted to a lapse in judgment in permitting the shoot, saying he allowed it to ‘strengthen the bonds between the young creative artists who make up a large part of this community and the parish.’
He was previously demoted for the decision, with the diocese confirming: ‘The parish did not follow diocesan policy regarding the filming on Church property, which includes a review of the scenes and script.’
A broader review revealed other instances of alleged administrative impropriety, including an ongoing investigation into Gigantiello’s use of a church credit card for ‘substantial’ personal expenses, Brennan said Monday.
The bishop has since appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as the new administrator of the parish, taking full authority over liturgical and operational matters.
Carpenter, meanwhile, referenced the complicated ordeal during a recent concert, commenting on the timing of the mayor’s indictment with the church scandal.
While performing at Madison Square Garden, Carpenter quipped to the audience: ‘Damn, what now? Should we talk about how I got the mayor indicted, or…’
Adams was indicted on federal criminal charges that included bribery, solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national (two counts), wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and to receiving campaign contributions from foreign nationals.
He is the first mayor of New York City to be charged with criminal offenses while in office.
Carpenter first skyrocketed to icon status in recent months with her single Espresso, which dropped in April of 2024 and went on to top the Billboard Global 200 and hit number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
This was quickly followed by another chart-topper – Please Please Please – making her the first female artist to hold the number one and two positions on the UK singles chart for three weeks in a row.
A full-length album called Short n’ Sweet soon followed – which includes the song Feather that led to the church controversy – and also debuted atop the Billboard 200.
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