NYC priest stripped of further duties over Sabrina Carpenter's provocative church music video shoot

Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, a priest from the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Brooklyn, has been stripped of his pastoral duties following a controversial music video shoot by pop star Sabrina Carpenter. 

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn launched an investigation after Carpenter’s provocative video for her hit song 'Feather'—featuring scenes of her dancing in front of the church altar in a short dress—drew widespread criticism.  

Bishop Robert Brennan announced on Monday that Gigantiello was relieved of all pastoral and governance roles due to serious administrative improprieties uncovered during the investigation. 

Brennan stated, “Investigations have revealed significant violations of Diocesan policies and protocols,” which prompted the appointment of Bishop Witold Mroziewski to oversee the parish.  

The fallout extends beyond the music video, with allegations of unauthorized financial transfers. Gigantiello is accused of transferring $1.9 million in parish funds to accounts linked with Frank Carone, former chief of staff for New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is currently under investigation for corruption. 

Brennan confirmed that while $1 million of the funds had been repaid with interest, the transactions violated church investment policies.  

The 'Feather' music video, released on October 31, 2023, depicts Carpenter arriving at the church in a pink hearse and performing in front of colorful faux coffins.

The diocese had previously stated it was “appalled” by the filming, which it said did not follow proper protocols. Gigantiello called his approval of the shoot a “lapse in judgment” in a letter to parishioners, claiming he was unaware of the video’s provocative nature.  

Further allegations against Gigantiello include misuse of a church credit card for personal expenses and secretly recording offensive remarks made by a deacon in the parish office. 

Federal authorities have subpoenaed information about his financial dealings, though no formal charges have been filed against him or Carone.  

Amid the scandal, Carpenter addressed the uproar during a Madison Square Garden concert in September, quipping, “Damn, what now? Should we talk about how I got the mayor indicted?”  

Brennan emphasized the diocese’s commitment to cooperating fully with law enforcement and ensuring the sanctity of the church, adding, “We must protect the public trust and our parishioners’ faith.”