A New York priest who allowed pop star Sabrina Carpenter to film provocative scenes for a video in his church has been accused of maladministration and fired.
Sabrina Carpenter PHOTO: X
Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello was released from “any role of pastoral oversight or governance” at the church, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn said in a statement. Church officials launched an investigation after the October 2023 release of the video for Carpenter’s hit song Feather, filmed inside Our Lady of Mount Carmel church, writes bbc.com.
The diocese said the investigation uncovered other cases of mismanagement beyond the music video that horrified some, including unauthorized financial transfers.
“I am saddened to share that the investigations by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP uncovered evidence of serious violations of diocesan policies and protocols,” Bishop Robert Brennan said in a statement, according to CBS News, the BBC’s media partner.
A replacement was installed and Gigantiello was removed from his responsibilities, the statement said. Gigantiello’s administrative powers were revoked last November, shortly after criticism of Carpenter’s video.
He was also removed from fundraising duties as vicar of development for the diocese. Images from Carpenter’s video show a crucifix emblazoned with profanity and also Carpenter dancing on the altar in a short black dress.
The diocese stated at the time that it was “terrified” and that proper filming procedures were not followed, the Associated Press reported.
In a letter to parishioners last year, Gigantiello said Carpenter’s permission to film in the church was a “error of judgment”.
He did not respond to the allegations that led to his dismissal. Bishop Brennan said a broader review in the investigation found other instances of administrative irregularities, including Mr. Gigantiello’s use of a credit card for personal expenses.
Bishop Brennan also said that from 2019 to 2021, Gigantiello transferred almost $2m (£1.5m) of 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, including bribery, wire fraud and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. A series of investigations focused on Adams and those in his orbit—resulting in subpoenas, law enforcement raids, and a series of resignations of high-ranking officials who help run New York City.
