New York Priest Removed from Duties Following Music Video Controversy and Mismanagement Probe

A New York priest who permitted pop star Sabrina Carpenter to film controversial scenes for a music video within his church has been accused of mismanagement and relieved of his responsibilities. Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello was divested of “any pastoral oversight or governance role” at the church, as stated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn. Church officials initiated an investigation after the October 2023 release of the music video for Carpenter’s popular song “Feather,” which was filmed inside the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. The Diocese reported that the investigation uncovered additional instances of mismanagement beyond the music video, which caused dismay to some, 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 in the announcement, as reported by the BBC’s media partner CBS News. A successor was appointed, and Mr. Gigantiello was removed from his duties, according to the statement. Mr. Gigantiello’s administrative authority had been rescinded last November, shortly after criticism arose regarding Carpenter’s video. He was also relieved of his fundraising obligations as vicar of development for the diocese. Visuals from Carpenter’s video depict a crucifix featuring profanity and also show Carpenter dancing near the altar while wearing a short black dress. The diocese had previously expressed that it was “appalled” and that appropriate filming procedures had not been adhered to, the Associated Press reported. In a communication to parishioners last year, Mr. Gigantiello acknowledged that allowing Carpenter to film inside the church was a “lapse in judgment.” He has not commented on the accusations that led to his dismissal. On Monday, Bishop Brennan disclosed that a broader review conducted as part of the investigation identified other instances of administrative impropriety, such as Mr. Gigantiello’s use of a credit card for personal expenditures. Bishop Brennan further stated that, between 2019 and 2021, Mr. Gigantiello transferred nearly $2m (£1.5M) in church funds to bank accounts linked 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. Numerous investigations have focused on Adams and individuals associated with him, resulting in subpoenas, law enforcement raids, and a wave of resignations among senior officials leading New York City.