In an unexpected turn of events, Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, once a respected figure at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Brooklyn, has been relieved of his duties after allowing pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter to shoot a provocative music video on church grounds. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn launched an investigation following backlash over the October 2023 release of Carpenter's music video for her song "Feather."
Priest Ousted Following Controversial Music Video Filming in Church
Priest Ousted Following Controversial Music Video Filming in Church
A New York priest faces dismissal after allowing pop star Sabrina Carpenter to film provocative scenes in his church, prompting an investigation into financial mismanagement.
The inquiry revealed not only the controversial nature of the video—featuring a crucifix adorned with profanity and Carpenter dancing on the altar—but also instances of financial misconduct unrelated to the shoot. The Diocese reported that Gigantiello had engaged in a series of unapproved financial transfers, violating Diocesan policies and risking church funds.
In a statement, Bishop Robert Brennan conveyed the seriousness of the findings, which stemmed from investigations by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. As scrutiny intensified, Gigantiello’s administrative powers were stripped, and a replacement was appointed to oversee the church's governance. Gigantiello, who acknowledged his "lapse in judgment," has yet to comment on the broader allegations concerning his financial decisions, including nearly $2 million in unaccounted transfers to accounts linked to a former staff member of New York City's Mayor Eric Adams, themselves recently embroiled in legal issues.
As the situation unfolds, the church and its parishioners grapple with the repercussions of Gigantiello's actions and the implications for the integrity of church management.
In a statement, Bishop Robert Brennan conveyed the seriousness of the findings, which stemmed from investigations by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. As scrutiny intensified, Gigantiello’s administrative powers were stripped, and a replacement was appointed to oversee the church's governance. Gigantiello, who acknowledged his "lapse in judgment," has yet to comment on the broader allegations concerning his financial decisions, including nearly $2 million in unaccounted transfers to accounts linked to a former staff member of New York City's Mayor Eric Adams, themselves recently embroiled in legal issues.
As the situation unfolds, the church and its parishioners grapple with the repercussions of Gigantiello's actions and the implications for the integrity of church management.
