Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church has been removed from his position following complaints over a music video shoot featuring Sabrina Carpenter, which highlighted serious mismanagement and financial irregularities.
Brooklyn Priest Dismissed Following Controversial Music Video Shoot
Brooklyn Priest Dismissed Following Controversial Music Video Shoot
A New York priest has been stripped of his duties after allowing pop singer Sabrina Carpenter to film provocative scenes in his church, sparking an investigation revealing additional misconduct.
In a recent and striking development, Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, a priest in New York, has been dismissed from his duties after granting pop artist Sabrina Carpenter permission to film provocative scenes for her music video in his church. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn has officially stripped Gigantiello of all pastoral oversight responsibilities following a thorough investigation into not only the music video but also other alleged misconduct.
The concerns arose after Carpenter's music video for her hit song "Feather" was released in October 2023, showcasing controversial imagery, including a crucifix adorned with profanity and the artist dancing on the altar in revealing attire. The Diocese expressed their disapproval, labeling Gigantiello's approval as a "lapse in judgment."
After this incident, church officials initiated a deeper investigation that concluded there were multiple instances of mismanagement under Gigantiello's administration. Bishop Robert Brennan disclosed findings from inquiries conducted by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, which pointed to significant violations of Diocesan policies, including unauthorized financial transactions.
In light of these revelations, Gigantiello’s administrative authority had been revoked last November, and he was subsequently excused from his role in fundraising activities. The Diocese's statement also noted that Gigantiello had mistakenly used church credit cards for personal expenses and became embroiled in a financial scandal involving nearly $2 million being transferred to accounts linked with a former aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who himself faces multiple criminal charges.
Bishop Brennan's statement underscored the seriousness of the situation, as the investigation not only pointed to issues related to the music video but also exposed broader administrative issues that undermined the trust within the Diocesan community. The Diocese is currently in the process of appointing a replacement for Gigantiello as it seeks to rectify the governance shortcomings that have come to light in recent months.
