Brooklyn Priest Fired After Sabrina Carpenter Music Video Leads to Wider Investigation

Brooklyn Priest Fired After Sabrina Carpenter Music Video Leads to Wider Investigation

By Marcus Stevenson

November 19, 2024 at 10:55 PM

A Brooklyn priest has been removed from his duties after allowing Sabrina Carpenter to film a controversial music video at his church, with subsequent investigations revealing deeper financial misconduct.

Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn was stripped of both his pastoral and administrative roles following an investigation that uncovered multiple policy violations. The investigation began after Carpenter filmed scenes for her "Feather" music video at Our Lady of Mount Carmel — Annunciation Parish in October 2023.

Church where Sabrina Carpenter filmed video

Church where Sabrina Carpenter filmed video

Key findings from the investigation include:

Unauthorized financial transfers totaling $1.9 million to accounts linked to Frank Carone, former NYC Mayor Eric Adams' chief of staff
Personal purchases made using church credit cards
Violation of diocesan filming protocols regarding the Carpenter music video
Improper documentation of financial transactions

Bishop Robert Brennan has appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as the new administrator with complete authority over the parish. While Gigantiello can still conduct Mass with approval, he no longer holds any leadership position within the church.

The controversial "Feather" music video, released on Halloween 2023, featured Carpenter dancing at the church altar in a short black dress and veil. Gigantiello later admitted to a "lapse in judgment" in approving the filming, though he claimed he wasn't present during the shoot.

The diocese has cooperated with federal investigators, who have subpoenaed documents related to the financial dealings between Gigantiello and Carone. Carone's law firm has reportedly repaid $1 million of the transferred funds with 9% interest.

A deacon who served as temporary administrator during the investigation was also dismissed after recordings revealed his use of racist and offensive language in private conversations.

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