A Brooklyn priest has been removed from his duties after an investigation linked to the filming of a controversial music video by pop star Sabrina Carpenter inside his church. Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, who served as the leader of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Annunciation Parish, was stripped of his administrative and pastoral responsibilities by the Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn after it was revealed that he had violated diocesan policies.
Priest replaced after Sabrina Carpenter shoots music video in his church https://t.co/AJBdjf2Icm
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) November 20, 2024
The music video for Carpenter’s song “Feather” was filmed at the church in late 2023 and featured provocative scenes in front of the church’s altar, with Carpenter dressed in a black veil and surrounded by faux coffins. The diocese condemned the video for its inappropriate content and noted that proper protocols for filming had not been followed. Gigantiello admitted that approving the filming was a “lapse in judgment” but claimed that he did not realize the video would be so provocative.
As the investigation unfolded, it was discovered that Gigantiello had made unauthorized financial transfers, including $1.9 million in parish funds, to accounts linked to Frank Carone, a former aide to Mayor Eric Adams. These transactions violated diocesan financial policies and added fuel to the fire of public backlash against the church.
NYC priest who allowed Sabrina Carpenter to shoot a music video in church further stripped of duties https://t.co/bDfSyNUFDH
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 19, 2024
Priest Jamie Gigantiello who let Sabrina Carpenter shoot provocative music video in church is stripped of dutieshttps://t.co/jt8DJly2Qw pic.twitter.com/Ct0Qj7kdpa
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) November 20, 2024
This incident highlights the ongoing cultural assault on Christian values, as the entertainment industry continues to produce content that challenges religious principles. Carpenter’s video, filmed in a sacred church setting, is just one example of how secular forces are eroding the sanctity of religious institutions and pushing an anti-Christian narrative that has become prevalent in American media.
In response to the scandal, Bishop Robert Brennan took swift action to remove Gigantiello from his duties and appointed a new administrator to oversee the parish. The diocese also conducted a spiritual rite to restore the church’s integrity and sanctity. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by religious communities in a culture that increasingly marginalizes Christianity.
As investigations continue, the larger issue of secularism’s rise and the diminishing role of Christianity in public life remains a significant concern for many. This situation emphasizes the need to defend American values and protect religious institutions from the growing cultural forces seeking to undermine them.
