NEW YORK — A Brooklyn church priest who allowed pop star Sabrina Carpenter to film controversial scenes for a music video at his church was removed from his duties Monday, following an investigation that uncovered broader administrative improprieties.
Get Your “Wicked” Merch and Tickets Here!
Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, who oversaw the Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Annunciation Parish in Williamsburg, has been stripped of “any pastoral oversight or governance role,” according to a statement from Bishop Robert Brennan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.
Get Your “Red One” Merch Here!
Investigation Unveils Financial Mismanagement
The diocese launched its investigation after Carpenter’s music video, “Feather,” filmed at the church, drew public criticism last November. The probe revealed unauthorized financial transfers involving Gigantiello, including $1.9 million in parish funds directed to accounts linked to Frank Carone, a former aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, currently under federal investigation for corruption.
“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,” Bishop Brennan said.
As a result, Brennan appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as administrator of the parish, granting him full authority over both administrative and liturgical matters.
Unauthorized Transactions and Personal Expenses
The investigation found that from 2019 to 2021, Gigantiello transferred parish funds without prior approval or proper documentation, breaching diocese investment policies. While $1 million was repaid by Carone’s law firm with 9% interest, the remaining funds were requested back without the full interest stipulated in the loan agreement.
The review also revealed substantial personal expenses charged to a church credit card by Gigantiello, further deepening the financial misconduct concerns.
Fallout from Carpenter’s Controversial Music Video
The controversy began after the release of Carpenter’s video for her hit song “Feather” on October 31, 2023. The video depicted scenes of the singer pulling up to the Williamsburg church in a pink hearse and dancing provocatively in front of the altar, dressed in a short black dress and veil.
At the time, the diocese condemned the filming, stating proper procedures had not been followed. Gigantiello called his decision to allow the shoot a “lapse in judgment,” claiming he wasn’t present during the filming and was unaware of its provocative nature.
Broader Impact and Church Response
In addition to removing Gigantiello from his administrative duties, Brennan also relieved him of his fundraising responsibilities as vicar of development for the diocese. A spiritual rite was conducted to restore the sanctity of the church.
The diocese’s statement noted that federal investigators have subpoenaed the parish for information related to the financial dealings between Gigantiello and Carone, though neither has been formally accused of wrongdoing.
Carone did not respond to requests for comment, while Gigantiello has publicly defended the transactions as legal and beneficial to the church.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Reaction
The controversy has not gone unnoticed by Carpenter, who joked about the situation during a September concert at Madison Square Garden.
“Damn, what now?” she quipped. “Should we talk about how I got the mayor indicted?”
