
The priest was replaced following the filming of a music video by Sabrina Carpenter in his church.
A New York priest, Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, has been accused of mismanagement and relieved of his duties after allowing popstar Sabrina Carpenter to film provocative scenes for a music video inside his church. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn stated that he has been stripped of “any pastoral oversight or governance role. “
The investigation commenced following the October 2023 release of Carpenter’s music video for her hit song “Feather,” filmed at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. The Diocese revealed that the investigation uncovered additional instances of mismanagement, including unauthorized financial transfers, which alarmed some officials.
“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 Robert Brennan stated, according to CBS News.
A replacement has been appointed, and Mr. Gigantiello has been removed from his responsibilities, as per the statement. His administrative powers were revoked last November in response to the backlash regarding Carpenter’s video, and he was also removed from his fundraising role as vicar of development for the diocese.
Images from Carpenter’s video depicted a crucifix with profanity and featured her dancing on the altar in a short black dress. The diocese expressed that it was “appalled” by the incident and noted that proper filming procedures had not been followed, as reported by the Associated Press. In a letter to parishioners last year, Mr. Gigantiello referred to allowing Carpenter to film inside the church as a “lapse in judgment. ” He has not addressed the allegations that resulted in his dismissal.
On Monday, Bishop Brennan indicated that a broader review associated with the investigation revealed additional instances of administrative misconduct, such as Mr. Gigantiello’s use of a credit card for personal expenses.
Bishop Brennan also noted that between 2019 and 2021, Mr. Gigantiello transferred nearly $2 million (£1. 5 million) in church funds to bank accounts connected to a former staff member of New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Adams was indicted in September on five counts of criminal offenses, including bribery, wire fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. Several investigations have focused on Adams and his associates, resulting in subpoenas, law enforcement raids, and a wave of resignations among senior officials in New York City leadership.