Diocese Ousts Church Leader After Investigation Reveals Mismanagement, Unauthorised Transfers

The head of a New York City church where pop star Sabrina Carpenter filmed a controversial music video has been removed from his position following an investigation into further instances of mismanagement, church officials announced on Monday.

Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello has been stripped of “any pastoral oversight or governance role” at his Williamsburg church in Brooklyn, according to a statement from Bishop Robert Brennan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.

The investigation, which began after the release of Carpenter’s video, uncovered that Gigantiello had made unauthorized financial transactions to a former top aide of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is currently under investigation for corruption, Brennan revealed.

The bishop 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 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Annunciation Parish.

“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Gigantiello’s administrative authority was revoked following the backlash over Carpenter’s “Feather” music video last November. Additionally, Gigantiello has been relieved of his pastoral duties, with Mroziewski assuming full control over the parish, including liturgical matters. However, Gigantiello may still perform Mass with Mroziewski’s approval, said diocese spokesperson Adriana Rodriguez.

Brennan, who oversees Catholic churches in Brooklyn and Queens, also dismissed a deacon who had been acting as a temporary administrator during the investigation. The deacon was found to have used racist and offensive language in private conversations secretly recorded at Gigantiello’s direction.

The “Feather” music video, released on 31 October 2023, features scenes of men behaving badly towards Carpenter before meeting grisly ends. In the video, Carpenter is seen arriving at the distinctive brick church in a pink hearse and dancing in front of the church’s ornate altar in a short black dress and veil, surrounded by colourful faux coffins.

The diocese expressed its dismay at the time, stating that proper procedures for filming were not followed. In addition to losing his administrative role, Brennan removed Gigantiello from his fundraising duties as vicar of development for the diocese and performed a spiritual rite to restore the church’s sanctity.

In a letter to parishioners last November, Gigantiello admitted that approving the filming was a “lapse in judgment,” claiming he was not present during the shoot and was unaware of its provocative nature.

On Monday, Brennan revealed that a broader review had uncovered further administrative misconduct. This includes an ongoing investigation into Gigantiello’s use of a church credit card for significant personal expenses. From 2019 to 2021, Gigantiello also transferred $1.9 million in parish funds to accounts associated with Frank Carone, Adams’ former chief of staff, without seeking prior approval or proper documentation, violating diocesan policies.

Carone’s law firm repaid $1 million of the funds with around 9% interest, Brennan said. Gigantiello also sought early repayment of the remaining amount but without the substantial interest required under the loan terms.

Federal investigators have subpoenaed the Brooklyn church for information about Carone and Gigantiello’s financial dealings, though neither has been formally accused of any wrongdoing. Brennan emphasised the diocese’s full cooperation with law enforcement in these investigations.

Carone did not respond to an email seeking comment, while Gigantiello defended his actions, stating the investments were legal and beneficial for the church.

Meanwhile, Carpenter acknowledged the controversy during a concert at Madison Square Garden in late September, shortly after Adams became the first New York City mayor to be indicted while in office.

“Damn, what now?” she joked to the Manhattan audience. “Should we talk about how I got the mayor indicted?”

Frances Ibiefo

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