A Brooklyn priest has been dismissed from his pastoral duties following controversy over Sabrina Carpenter's music video shoot and financial mismanagement at Our Lady of Mount Carmel — Annunciation Parish.

Photo Credit: Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel / LMP 2001 / CC by 4.0

Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello was removed after an investigation revealed multiple violations of diocesan policies, including:

• Unauthorized filming of Carpenter's "Feather" music video in the church
• Improper financial transfers totaling $1.9 million to accounts linked to Frank Carone
• Unauthorized use of church credit cards for personal purchases

Bishop Robert Brennan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn has appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as the new administrator with complete authority over the parish. While Gigantiello can still conduct Mass with approval, he has been stripped of all administrative and pastoral oversight roles.

The investigation was initially prompted by the controversial "Feather" music video, filmed on Halloween 2023, which showed Carpenter dancing at the church altar in a short black dress and veil. The diocese stated proper filming procedures were not followed, and Gigantiello later admitted to a "lapse in judgment."

Further investigation uncovered financial dealings with Frank Carone, former chief of staff to NYC Mayor Eric Adams, who is currently under corruption investigation. Carone's law firm has since repaid $1 million of the transferred funds with 9% interest.

Additionally, a deacon serving as temporary administrator during the investigation was also dismissed for using racist and offensive language in recorded private conversations.

The diocese has stated these actions were taken to "safeguard the public trust and protect church funds," with federal investigators now seeking additional information about the financial transactions between Gigantiello and Carone.

Related Articles

Previous Articles