New York Priest Dismissed Following Controversial Music Video Filming

The Diocese of Brooklyn has stripped Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello of his pastoral duties due to serious violations of protocols, following an investigation linked to a music video filmed by pop star Sabrina Carpenter that sparked significant controversy.

A priest in New York has been dismissed from his role after allowing pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter to film risqué scenes inside his church for a music video, resulting in allegations of mismanagement and misconduct. Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello has been relieved of all pastoral oversight responsibilities, according to a statement released by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.

The controversy erupted following the release of Carpenter's music video for her song "Feather," which featured scenes filmed at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, including images depicting a crucifix with profanity and Carpenter dancing on the altar in a provocative outfit. Church officials subsequently initiated an investigation to address public outrage that arose from the video's content.

Bishop Robert Brennan reported the findings of the investigation, which uncovered various instances of financial mismanagement beyond the music video incident. These included unauthorized financial transactions that alarmed church officials. "I am saddened to report that investigations undertaken by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP have revealed significant breaches of Diocesan protocols," stated Bishop Brennan.

In light of the investigation’s findings, Giantiello was stripped of his administrative abilities last November shortly after the criticism surrounding Carpenter’s video surfaced. His fundraising responsibilities as vicar of development for the diocese were also revoked. In correspondence with church members last year, Giantiello acknowledged that granting Carpenter access to film within the church was a “lapse in judgment” but has so far refrained from addressing the broader allegations leading to his dismissal.

Additionally, the investigation revealed that from 2019 to 2021, Giantiello transferred nearly $2 million of church funds to an account tied to an ex-staffer of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who himself is under scrutiny after being indicted on multiple criminal charges, including bribery and wire fraud. This ongoing fallout has raised questions about accountability and governance within the local church and political landscape.