Photo Credit: Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel / LMP 2001 / CC by 4.0
The leader of a NYC church where Sabrina Carpenter filmed scenes for a music video was stripped of his duties following an investigation that revealed other instances of mismanagement.
Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello was relieved of his “pastoral oversight or governance role” at his New York City church, according to a statement from Bishop Robert Brennan on behalf of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn. Gigantiello allowed pop star Sabrina Carpenter to film scenes for a music video for her song “Feather” at the church, a move that was met with criticism last November after the video debuted.
An investigation launched after the music video debacle revealed Gigantiello made unauthorized financial transfers to a former top aide in NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, which is currently being investigated on charges of corruption. Gigantiello was stripped of his administrative powers after the Sabrina Carpenter video and has now been relieved of his pastoral duties in light of the investigation. Carpenter herself made references to Adam’s indictments at a concert.
“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 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel — Annunciation Parish,” said Brennan. “In order to safeguard the public trust, and to protect church funds, I have appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as administrator of the Parish.”
With Gigantiello stripped of his pastoral duties, Mroziewski now has “complete authority over the parish,” including liturgical matters. However, Gigantiello will still be able to say Mass with Mroziewski’s approval, according to diocese spokesperson Adriana Rodriguez.
Brennan, who oversees Catholic churches in both Brooklyn and Queens, said he also relieved a deacon who was appointed as a temporary administrator during the investigation. According to the bishop, the deacon had used racist and other offensive language during private conversations in the parish office that had been secretly recorded.
Released on Halloween last year, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Feather” music video sees her pulling up to the distinctive church in a pink hearse before dancing in front of the church’s altar wearing a short black dress and a veil. At the time, the diocese said it was “appalled” and that proper procedures for filming were not followed.
Gigantiello released a letter to parishioners last November, in which he said approving the filming was “a lapse in judgement,” but maintained he was not present at the time and did not realize how “provocative” the video shoot would be.
But the damage was already done, and an investigation was launched. Brennan said other instances of administrative propriety uncovered included the use of a church credit card for “substantial” personal purchases, as well as transfers equating $1.9 million of parish funds between 2019 and 2021 to bank accounts affiliated with Frank Carone, Eric Adams’ former chief of staff.
Brennan said Gigantiello failed to seek approval for these transactions and didn’t properly document them, in direct violation of the diocese’s investment policies and protocols. Carone’s law firm repaid $1 million of the funds with about 9% interest, Brennan said. Federal investigators have subpoenaed the church, seeking more information about Carone and Gigantiello’s financial dealings.