A New York priest has been dismissed from his duties after allowing pop star Sabrina Carpenter to film a controversial music video inside his church, sparking outrage within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn. The removal of Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, once a prominent figure in the diocese, followed an investigation that unearthed instances of mismanagement beyond the video incident.
The video, released in October 2023, featured provocative scenes for Carpenter’s hit song Feather and was filmed inside the historic Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Images from the music video depicted Carpenter dancing on the altar in a short black dress and a crucifix with profanity written on it elements that shocked and appalled church officials and parishioners alike.
Initial Backlash and Church’s Reaction
Following the release of the video, the diocese expressed outrage, stating that proper procedures for filming had not been observed. Monsignor Gigantiello, who had authorized the shoot, described his decision as a “lapse in judgment” in a letter to parishioners last year. However, the fallout was swift, with his administrative powers revoked in November 2023.
While the music video was the initial point of contention, it led to a broader investigation into Monsignor Gigantiello’s management of the church. The diocese engaged Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP to conduct a thorough inquiry.
Findings of Mismanagement
Bishop Robert Brennan of the Brooklyn Diocese revealed the results of the investigation in a statement, highlighting violations of diocesan policies and protocols. One of the most alarming findings was nearly $2 million (approximately KSh. 258.4 million) transferred from church funds between 2019 and 2021 to bank accounts linked to a former staff member of New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Mayor Adams, a prominent figure in New York politics, has been embroiled in legal troubles, including bribery, wire fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. These allegations have triggered multiple investigations, leading to resignations among his inner circle.
In addition to the financial transfers, the investigation revealed that Monsignor Gigantiello had used a church credit card for personal expenses, compounding concerns about his leadership.
Consequences and Replacement
Monsignor Gigantiello was formally relieved of “any pastoral oversight or governance role” at the church, according to the diocese’s statement. He was also removed from his role as the vicar of development, where he had been responsible for fundraising.
A replacement has since been installed to lead Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, and Bishop Brennan emphasized the importance of restoring trust within the parish community.
Broader Implications
This scandal highlights the complex relationship between the church and contemporary culture. While churches often serve as venues for creative projects, this incident underscores the need for clear guidelines and adherence to established procedures.
For the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, the case also serves as a reminder of the importance of oversight and accountability in leadership roles. Financial mismanagement, especially in institutions reliant on donations, risks eroding public confidence.
Monsignor Gigantiello has not publicly responded to the latest allegations beyond his earlier acknowledgment of a judgment error regarding the music video.
As church officials work to rebuild trust, this incident remains a cautionary tale about the consequences of poor judgment and administrative impropriety within religious institutions.
