A New York priest has been dismissed after allowing pop star Sabrina Carpenter to film provocative scenes for her music video “Feather” inside a Brooklyn church.
Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello was relieved of “any pastoral oversight or governance role” at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church following an investigation by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn. The inquiry, initiated after the October 2023 release of Carpenter’s video, uncovered other instances of mismanagement, including unauthorized financial transfers.
“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.
The video sparked outrage for depicting scenes of Carpenter dancing on the altar in a short black dress and featuring a crucifix with profanity. The diocese previously called the scenes “appalling” and noted that proper procedures for filming had not been followed.
In a letter to parishioners, Mr. Gigantiello admitted the decision to allow filming was a “lapse in judgment.” He has not commented on the additional allegations of administrative misconduct uncovered during the investigation, which led to his removal.
Beyond the controversy surrounding the video, the investigation revealed Mr. Gigantiello’s use of church funds for personal expenses and nearly $2 million in transfers to accounts linked to a former staffer of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is currently facing bribery and wire fraud charges.
