A Brooklyn priest embroiled in controversy over his church’s involvement in a Sabrina Carpenter music video has been faraway from his duties.
Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello confronted backlash final November after permitting Carpenter to make use of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Williamsburg Brooklyn because the set for her Feather music video.
The controversy has unexpectedly led to the priest being investigated for monetary misconduct, in line with an announcement.
Bishop Robert Brennan of the Brooklyn Diocese introduced Gigantiello’s dismissal on Monday, citing allegations of unauthorized transfers of $1.9million (£1.5m) in church funds to accounts allegedly linked to Frank Carone, a former aide to NYC Mayor Eric Adams, who’s below corruption investigation.
Whereas some funds have been repaid with curiosity, the transfers reportedly violated diocesan insurance policies and weren’t reported correctly. Federal authorities have subpoenaed the church for extra info, and the diocese is cooperating with the investigation.
‘I’m saddened to share that investigations carried out by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP have uncovered proof of great violations of Diocesan insurance policies and protocols at Our Woman of Mount Carmel – Annunciation Parish,’ the bishop mentioned.
‘With a purpose to safeguard the general public belief, and to guard church funds, I’ve appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as administrator of the Parish.’
The church was beforehand criticized for permitting Carpenter to movie scenes inside its sanctuary, with some parishioners feeling the video was too suggestive for a church setting.
The music video included ‘suggestive’ imagery filmed on the altar, together with the 25 yr outdated pop star dancing in a brief black gown with a veil.
At factors within the video, Carpenter is seen arriving in entrance of the distinctive church’s facade in a pink hearse after which dancing in entrance of the altar alongside a colourful array of fake coffins.
Gigantiello had admitted to a lapse in judgment in allowing the shoot, saying he allowed it to ‘strengthen the bonds between the younger artistic artists who make up a big a part of this neighborhood and the parish.’
He was beforehand demoted for the choice, with the diocese confirming: ‘The parish didn’t comply with diocesan coverage concerning the filming on Church property, which features a assessment of the scenes and script.’
A broader assessment revealed different cases of alleged administrative impropriety, together with an ongoing investigation into Gigantiello’s use of a church bank card for ‘substantial’ private bills, Brennan mentioned Monday.
The bishop has since appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as the brand new administrator of the parish, taking full authority over liturgical and operational issues.
Carpenter, in the meantime, referenced the sophisticated ordeal throughout a current live performance, commenting on the timing of the mayor’s indictment with the church scandal.
Whereas acting at Madison Sq. Backyard, Carpenter quipped to the viewers: ‘Rattling, what now? Ought to we discuss how I acquired the mayor indicted, or…’
Adams was indicted on federal felony fees that included bribery, solicitation of a contribution by a overseas nationwide (two counts), wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and to receiving marketing campaign contributions from overseas nationals.
He’s the primary mayor of New York Metropolis to be charged with felony offenses whereas in workplace.
Carpenter first skyrocketed to icon standing in current months along with her single Espresso, which dropped in April of 2024 and went on to high the Billboard International 200 and hit quantity three on the Billboard Sizzling 100 chart.
This was rapidly adopted by one other chart-topper – Please Please Please – making her the primary feminine artist to carry the primary and two positions on the UK singles chart for 3 weeks in a row.
A full-length album known as Quick n’ Candy quickly adopted – which incorporates the track Feather that led to the church controversy – and in addition debuted atop the Billboard 200.
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