Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, a New York priest who allowed pop star Sabrina Carpenter to film provocative scenes for her music video Feather inside the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, has been removed from his duties.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn announced that Gigantiello was relieved of “any pastoral oversight or governance role” following an investigation that uncovered broader mismanagement beyond the controversial video.
The October 2023 music video, which featured Carpenter dancing on the altar in a short black dress and a crucifix adorned with profanity, drew criticism and led to Gigantiello’s administrative powers being revoked shortly after its release.
In a letter to parishioners, Gigantiello admitted the decision to allow filming was a “lapse in judgment.”
The investigation, conducted by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, also revealed unauthorized financial transfers, including nearly $2 million in church funds sent to bank accounts linked to a former staff member of New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Adams, who is facing multiple criminal charges, has been at the center of several investigations involving bribery and campaign finance violations.
In addition to losing his pastoral and fundraising roles, Gigantiello was accused of using church credit cards for personal expenses.
Bishop Robert Brennan announced that a replacement had been appointed and expressed disappointment over the findings.
Gigantiello has not responded to the allegations that led to his dismissal.
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