On Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello was relieved of his duties at a Brooklyn church following an investigation into his actions. This decision came after church officials discovered evidence of mismanagement, including unauthorized financial transfers. According to a statement from Bishop Robert Brennan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, Gigantiello will no longer have any pastoral oversight or governance role at his church in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY.
Priest Disciplined for Allowing Sabrina Carpenter to Film Music Video Inside Catholic Church
The controversy surrounding Sabrina Carpenter‘s music video for “Feather” began when Monsignor Gigantiello gave permission for the video to be filmed at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel–Annunciation Parish. In a statement, Bishop Brennan expressed his sadness over the investigation, which was conducted by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. The investigation revealed serious violations of diocesan policies, prompting Gigantiello’s removal from his duties to protect both the public trust and church funds.
The Diocese of Brooklyn shared that Bishop Brennan was “appalled” by what was filmed inside Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Brooklyn. The Diocese claimed that the church had not followed proper policy regarding permission to film on church property and that it was Gigantiello who approved the filming of the controversial music video.
Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Feather’ Music Video Controversy
The “Feather” music video gained significant attention for its horror-inspired theme and dramatic scenes filmed inside the 19th-century church. In the video, Sabrina Carpenter can be seen dancing around the church’s pews and altar while wearing a black tulle dress and veil. The video also features disturbing scenes where Carpenter kills and witnesses the deaths of men who had previously treated her inappropriately, including catcalling and taking a photo up her skirt without consent.
The video has amassed over 102 million views, but the choice to film it in a Catholic church stirred controversy, particularly given the sensitive nature of its content. Despite the church’s role as a sacred space, Sabrina Carpenter‘s video raised questions about what should be allowed to be filmed on church grounds, with many criticizing the decision to permit such a production.
As the investigation into Monsignor Gigantiello continues, his actions in allowing the music video to be filmed on church property have led to his significant disciplinary actions, marking the end of his administrative duties at the Brooklyn church.
