Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello faces accusations of mismanagement and has been removed from his pastoral duties after an investigation into his conduct revealed significant policy violations.
**Priest Ousted Following Controversial Music Video Filming in Church**
**Priest Ousted Following Controversial Music Video Filming in Church**
A Brooklyn priest has lost his position after allowing pop singer Sabrina Carpenter to record suggestive scenes for her latest music video in a Catholic church.
The recent release of Sabrina Carpenter's music video "Feather," filmed at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Brooklyn, has led to significant repercussions for Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn announced that Gigantiello has been stripped of his pastoral oversight and governance roles, amid ongoing scrutiny over his actions.
The diocese initiated an investigation following the video's release in October 2023, which included explicit scenes such as Carpenter dancing provocatively on the altar and features profane messages displayed on crucifixes. Bishop Robert Brennan of the diocese stated, "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."
In the wake of the backlash from Carpenter's video, the diocese also discovered other instances of financial mismanagement linked to Gigantiello. Specific findings included unauthorized financial transfers, with reports indicating nearly $2 million in church funds had been redirected to bank accounts tied to a former staff member of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is currently under indictment for multiple criminal charges including bribery and wire fraud.
Consequently, Gigantiello’s administrative privileges were revoked, and he was relieved from his fundraising responsibilities as vicar of development for the diocese. A replacement has already been appointed to oversee church functions, as the diocese continues to address the fallout from this scandal. Despite the serious allegations and subsequent dismissal, Gigantiello has remained silent regarding the investigations into his conduct.
The diocese initiated an investigation following the video's release in October 2023, which included explicit scenes such as Carpenter dancing provocatively on the altar and features profane messages displayed on crucifixes. Bishop Robert Brennan of the diocese stated, "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."
In the wake of the backlash from Carpenter's video, the diocese also discovered other instances of financial mismanagement linked to Gigantiello. Specific findings included unauthorized financial transfers, with reports indicating nearly $2 million in church funds had been redirected to bank accounts tied to a former staff member of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is currently under indictment for multiple criminal charges including bribery and wire fraud.
Consequently, Gigantiello’s administrative privileges were revoked, and he was relieved from his fundraising responsibilities as vicar of development for the diocese. A replacement has already been appointed to oversee church functions, as the diocese continues to address the fallout from this scandal. Despite the serious allegations and subsequent dismissal, Gigantiello has remained silent regarding the investigations into his conduct.
