NEW YORK — The head of a Brooklyn church in New York City, where pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter filmed some controversial scenes for her music video, was relieved of his responsibilities on Monday. This action followed an investigation that uncovered multiple instances of mismanagement.
Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello has been stripped of all “pastoral oversight or governance role” at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Annunciation Parish, as announced by Bishop Robert Brennan, representing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.
The inquiry began after concerns arose regarding the music video, which led to the discovery that Gigantiello had made unauthorized financial transfers to a former high-ranking aide in Mayor Eric Adams’ office, who is currently under investigation for corruption-related charges. “I regret to report that investigations carried out by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP have revealed serious breaches of Diocesan policies and protocols at the parish,” Brennan said. To ensure the integrity of the church and its finances, Bishop Witold Mroziewski has been appointed as the new administrator of the parish.
Gigantiello lost his administrative privileges following backlash surrounding Carpenter’s music video for “Feathers,” which had stirred criticism the previous November. Mroziewski has now been granted “complete authority” over the parish’s operations, including liturgical aspects, while Gigantiello can still conduct Mass with Mroziewski’s consent, according to diocese spokesperson Adriana Rodriguez.
In addition to the dismissal of Gigantiello from his administrative roles, Brennan also removed a deacon from temporary administration duties, citing inappropriate language that had been recorded during secret conversations at the parish office, conducted under Gigantiello’s direction.
Gigantiello did not respond to requests for comments via email and social media on Monday. The “Feathers” music video, released on October 31, 2023, illustrates a storyline where men mistreat Carpenter’s character before facing grim consequences. Notably, the video features Carpenter pulling up to the church in a pink hearse and dancing in front of its ornate altar, adorned with colorful faux coffins while dressed in a striking black outfit.
In the initial aftermath of the video’s release, the diocese expressed its disapproval, stating that filming protocols had not been adhered to.
In addition to removing Gigantiello from administrative responsibilities, Bishop Brennan revoked his fundraising duties as vicar of development for the diocese and organized a spiritual rite to reestablish the church’s sanctity. In a letter to congregants last November, Gigantiello admitted that permitting the filming was a “lapse in judgment,” claiming he was unaware of its provocative nature at the time it occurred.
On Monday, Brennan disclosed that a more extensive review revealed further administrative misconduct. Included in these findings is an active inquiry into Gigantiello’s personal use of a church credit card for “substantial” expenses. From 2019 to 2021, he also transferred $1.9 million in parish funds to accounts linked to Frank Carone, the former chief of staff to Mayor Adams. Gigantiello did not secure prior approval for these financial transactions or ensure adequate documentation, breaching the diocese’s investment regulations.
Carone’s law firm has reportedly reimbursed $1 million of the transferred funds, along with around 9% interest. However, Gigantiello sought early repayment for the remaining sum without the significant interest stipulated in the loan agreements, according to Brennan. While federal investigators have issued subpoenas to the Brooklyn church for information regarding the financial dealings between Carone and Gigantiello, neither party has faced criminal allegations.
Brennan emphasized that the diocese is “fully committed” to cooperating with law enforcement throughout the investigative processes. Carone did not comment on the situation, yet Gigantiello defended his actions, affirming that the investments were legal and beneficial to the church.
Carpenter has also acknowledged the stir caused by her music video. During a performance at Madison Square Garden in late September, shortly after Mayor Adams was indicted—the first New York City mayor to face legal charges while in office—she jovially remarked to her audience, “Damn, what now? Should we talk about how I got the mayor indicted?”