A Brooklyn priest has been removed from his pastoral duties amid growing controversies involving allegations of financial mismanagement and the unexpected fallout from pop star Sabrina Carpenter’s racy music video shoot. Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, formerly head of Our Lady of Mount Carmel—Annunciation Parish located in Williamsburg, is at the center of investigations after his approval of the video, as well as dubious financial practices, raised eyebrows within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.
According to Bishop Robert Brennan, Gigantiello was stripped of his duties last week as serious breaches of diocesan policy were uncovered during inquiries initiated after Carpenter’s provocative music video for her song “Feather.” The video included scenes of the singer performing inside the church and was released on October 31, 2023.
The Controversial Video Shoot
When Carpenter’s music video first emerged, it quickly attracted scrutiny due to its provocative nature. It featured Carpenter dancing before the altar, dressed provocatively and surrounded by colorful faux coffins, raising significant concerns among parishioners and officials alike. The diocese expressed its disapproval, stating the filming was not only inappropriate but constituted a breach of church policies.
Despite backlash, Gigantiello later acknowledged he had made an error in judgment by allowing the shoot, claiming he had been unaware of its explicit content. This single incident, though initially shocking, was only the tip of the iceberg, as subsequent investigations revealed far graver issues.
Financial Misconduct Uncovered
Under the scrutiny of investigations by notable firms Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, multiple instances of financial misconduct surfaced. These included unauthorized transfers amounting to approximately $1.9 million, allegedly funneled to accounts linked with Frank Carone, the former chief of staff for Mayor Eric Adams, with whom Gigantiello had personal ties.
- The transfers occurred between 2019 and 2021 and were documented as loans or investments, yet lacked proper approvals from diocese officials.
- While Carone’s law firm reimbursed $1 million with interest, questions swirled around the transparency and legality of the remaining funds, especially as federal authorities have subpoenaed the parish as part of their broader probe.
- Additional allegations surfaced claiming Gigantiello utilized church resources for personal expenses, including large purchases made on church credit cards.
Leadership Changes and Community Response
With the situation deterioriating, Bishop Brennan has taken decisive action. He appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as the new administrator for the parish, effectively sidelining Gigantiello from all administrative responsibilities. Gigantiello maintained his position to conduct Mass, but his ability to influence parish activities has been significantly curtailed.
Addressing community concerns, Bishop Brennan performed a rite aimed at restoring the sanctity of the church—a gesture intended to heal the damage inflicted on parishioners’ trust and faith. He reassured the public of the diocese’s commitment to transparency, stating, “Protecting church funds and maintaining public trust is of utmost priority.”
Gigantiello's Defense and Reactions from Carpenter
Despite the mounting evidence, Gigantiello's attorney, Arthur Aidala, defended his client, insisting the transactions were managed within the terms of his compensation agreement and described the controversial financial practices as attempts to secure investments for the church.
Pop star Sabrina Carpenter, too, has not shied away from addressing the controversies stemming from the video. During her concert at Madison Square Garden, she quipped, “Should we talk about how I got the mayor indicted?” referencing the fallout surrounding both her video and the investigations toppling city officials connected to Gigantiello’s dealings.
The scandal surrounding the Brooklyn priest serves as a poignant example of the fragile dynamic between artistic expression and institutional integrity within sacred spaces. And as church officials grapple with restoring order, it remains clear the legacy of this incident will have long-lasting repercussions.
The Ongoing Investigations
Both Gigantiello and Carone have yet to be officially charged with any criminal misconduct. The investigations continue to evolve as federal inquiries examine the links between the church finances and potential corruption at City Hall.
For now, the stakes remain high—both for the integrity of the church's mission and for those who look to it for guidance. The diocese has stated its intention to cooperate fully with law enforcement, emphasizing the need to uphold the values intrinsic to its faith. The public awaits more developments, as trust hangs in the balance.
