The priest of a New York church, suspended for allowing pop star Sabrina Carpenter to film a provocative music video, has been permanently stripped of his duties following an internal investigation revealing further mismanagement.
In a statement from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello was relieved of “any pastoral oversight or governance role” at his church in the Williamsburg neighbourhood of Brooklyn.
The investigation, prompted by criticism of Carpenter’s music video, uncovered that Gigantiello made unauthorised financial transfers to a former top aide in New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, currently under investigation for corruption.
“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,” the diocese stated. “In order to safeguard the public trust, and to protect church funds, I have appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as administrator of the Parish.”
Gigantiello’s administrative powers were revoked, though he may still say Mass with Bishop Mroziewski’s approval.
Carpenter’s video for her hit song Feather, released in October last year, features scenes of men meeting grisly ends after mistreating her. In parts, she is seen arriving at the brick church in a pink hearse and dancing at its ornate altar in a short black dress and veil, surrounded by brightly coloured faux coffins.
At the time, the diocese said it was “appalled” and criticised the lack of adherence to proper procedures for the filming.