A New York priest, Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, has been removed from his pastoral duties after allowing pop singer Sabrina Carpenter to film provocative scenes in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church for her music video "Feather." The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn reported the decision after an investigation revealed not only the controversial filming but also instances of mismanagement related to church finances.
Priest Ousted After Controversial Music Video Filmed in Church
Priest Ousted After Controversial Music Video Filmed in Church
A New York priest loses his post amid investigations into financial mismanagement following a pop star's provocative music video filmed in his church.
The decision came after images from Carpenter's video featured inappropriate elements such as a crucifix with profanity and the singer performing on the church altar dressed in a short black dress. The diocese expressed its disapproval, stating that proper protocols for filming were not followed. Following the backlash and an investigation by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Bishop Robert Brennan announced Gigantiello’s removal due to significant violations of Diocesan policies that included unauthorized financial transfers.
Despite acknowledging his lapse in judgment regarding mixing religious spaces with pop culture, Gigantiello has not responded to the overall allegations that resulted in his dismissal. The investigation also revealed that between 2019 and 2021, Gigantiello transferred close to $2 million in church funds to accounts linked to a former staff member of NYC Mayor Eric Adams, who is currently facing serious legal troubles. Gigantiello's administrative responsibilities had already been curtailed last November amid the controversy surrounding the music video, indicating a deeper issue of accountability within the church's governance.
Despite acknowledging his lapse in judgment regarding mixing religious spaces with pop culture, Gigantiello has not responded to the overall allegations that resulted in his dismissal. The investigation also revealed that between 2019 and 2021, Gigantiello transferred close to $2 million in church funds to accounts linked to a former staff member of NYC Mayor Eric Adams, who is currently facing serious legal troubles. Gigantiello's administrative responsibilities had already been curtailed last November amid the controversy surrounding the music video, indicating a deeper issue of accountability within the church's governance.
