A Brooklyn church leader has been dismissed from his duties following controversy over Sabrina Carpenter's music video shoot and financial mismanagement.

Photo Credit: Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel / LMP 2001 / CC by 4.0

Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn has been removed from his pastoral and administrative roles following multiple violations of diocesan policies. The investigation was initially sparked by his decision to allow pop star Sabrina Carpenter to film her "Feather" music video at the church in October 2023.

Key findings of the investigation revealed:

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

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 has been stripped of all administrative and pastoral oversight responsibilities.

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 acknowledged his "lapse in judgment" in approving the filming, though he claimed he wasn't present during the shoot.

The investigation also led to the dismissal of a deacon serving as temporary administrator after recordings revealed his use of racist and offensive language in private conversations.

Carone's law firm has since repaid $1 million of the transferred funds with 9% interest, while federal investigators continue to probe the financial dealings between Carone and Gigantiello.

Related Articles

Previous Articles