- The Washington Times - Thursday, November 21, 2024

Pop star Sabrina Carpenter’s music video shoot at a Brooklyn, New York, church kicked off the downfall of Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello from his pastoral position at Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Annunciation Parish following revelations of financial misconduct and violations of diocesan policies.

Bishop Robert Brennan announced in a Nov. 18 statement that Father Gigantiello would no longer hold any administrative responsibilities within the diocese, including his role as diocesan vicar for development.

The incident began last year when Ms. Carpenter was allowed to film her provocative music video for her song “Feather” inside the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Brooklyn.

The video features depictions of Ms. Carpenter performing seductively in a revealing outfit on the altar, among various scenes of violence, an act that sparked outrage among parishioners and church officials.

In response to the backlash, Father Brennan, the Brooklyn bishop, told the Catholic News Agency he was “appalled” at the content filmed inside the church.

“The parish did not follow diocesan policy regarding the filming on church property, which includes a review of the scenes and script,” the diocese said in a statement.

The songstress shrugged off the vitriol against her, telling Variety that her team received advance approval. “And Jesus was a carpenter” she added.

But the fallout for the embattled priest didn’t end there. An internal investigation into Father Gigantiello’s conduct unveiled serious financial improprieties that ultimately led to his dismissal.

The investigation revealed that between 2019 and 2021, he allegedly funneled nearly $1.9 million in parish funds to accounts associated with Frank Carone, a former chief of staff for New York Mayor Eric Adams.

Further scrutiny also uncovered Father Gigantiello’s misuse of church credit cards for personal expenses.

The Washington Times has reached out to Ms. Carpenter’s representation and the Diocese of Brooklyn for comment.

• Emma Ayers can be reached at eayers@washingtontimes.com.

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