The leader of a New York City church where pop star Sabrina Carpenter filmed provocative scenes for a music video was stripped of his duties on Monday, following an investigation that uncovered additional instances of mismanagement.
Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello was relieved of “any pastoral oversight or governance role” at his church in the Williamsburg neighbourhood of Brooklyn, according to a statement issued by Bishop Robert Brennan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.
An investigation, which began after the video controversy, found that Gigantiello made unauthorised financial transfers to a former top aide in New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, who is currently under investigation for corruption, Brennan said.
“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 bishop said.
“In order to safeguard the public trust, and to protect church funds, I have appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as administrator of the Parish.”
Gigantiello had already lost his administrative powers after Carpenter’s video for her song Feather drew criticism last November.
The priest has now been removed from all pastoral duties, with Mroziewski given “complete authority over the parish,” including liturgical matters. However, Gigantiello will still be allowed to say Mass with Mroziewski’s approval, according to diocese spokesperson Adriana Rodriguez.
Brennan, who oversees Catholic churches in Brooklyn and Queens, also removed a deacon who had been appointed as a temporary administrator during the investigation. The bishop said the deacon had used racist and offensive language during private conversations in the parish office, which had been secretly recorded at Gigantiello’s direction.
Gigantiello did not respond to email or Facebook messages seeking comment on Monday.
The “Feather” music video, released on 31 October 2023, features Sabrina Carpenter in scenes where men behaving badly toward her meet grisly fates. In parts of the video, Carpenter arrives at the church in a pink hearse and performs in front of its ornate altar wearing a short black dress and a black veil, surrounded by colourful faux coffins.
The diocese said it was “appalled” by the video at the time and noted that proper procedures for filming had not been followed.
In addition to removing Gigantiello from his pastoral duties, Bishop Brennan also relieved him of his fundraising responsibilities as vicar of development for the diocese. Brennan performed a spiritual rite to restore the sanctity of the church.
In a letter to parishioners last November, Gigantiello admitted that approving the filming was a “lapse in judgment,” insisting that he was not present during the shoot and did not anticipate its provocative nature.
On Monday, Brennan revealed that a broader review had uncovered further administrative misconduct.
This included an ongoing investigation into Gigantiello’s use of a church credit card for “substantial” personal expenses. Between 2019 and 2021, Gigantiello also transferred $1.9 million in parish funds to accounts linked to Frank Carone, Adams’ former chief of staff, without prior approval or proper documentation, violating diocesan investment protocols, Brennan said.
According to the bishop, Carone’s law firm repaid $1 million of the funds with about 9% interest. Gigantiello requested early repayment for the remainder, but without the substantial interest stipulated in the loan agreements.
Federal investigators have subpoenaed the church for information regarding these transactions, although neither Gigantiello nor Carone has been accused of wrongdoing. Brennan emphasised the diocese’s “full commitment” to cooperating with law enforcement inquiries.
Carone did not respond to requests for comment. However, Gigantiello has defended his financial management, telling The City, a local news outlet, that the investments were legal and generated significant returns for the church.
Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter has acknowledged the controversy surrounding her music video. At a Madison Square Garden concert in September, shortly after Mayor Adams became the first New York City mayor indicted while in office, she made a cheeky remark: “Damn, what now? Should we talk about how I got the mayor indicted?”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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