Sabrina Carpenter music video leads to New York pastor losing job

A New York pastor who let pop star Sabrina Carpenter film provocative scenes for a music video at his church has been accused of mismanagement and stripped of his duties.

Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello was relieved of “any pastoral oversight or management role” at the church, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn said in a statement.

Church officials launched an investigation following the October 2023 music video release for Carpenter’s hit song Feather, filmed inside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

The diocese said the investigation found other instances of mismanagement beyond the music video that horrified some, including unauthorized financial transfers.

“I am saddened to share that investigations conducted by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP have uncovered evidence of serious violations of diocesan policies and protocols,” Bishop Robert Brennan said in the statement, according to BBC media partner CBS News.

A replacement was installed and Mr. Gigantiello was removed from his responsibilities, the statement said.

Mr. Gigantiello’s administrative powers had been revoked last November shortly after the criticism of Carpenter’s video.

He was also removed from collection duties as development priest for the diocese.

Images from Carpenter’s video show a crucifix with profanity printed on it and also Carpenter dancing on the altar in a short black dress.

The diocese said at the time that it was “horrified” and that proper filming procedures had not been followed, the Associated Press reported.

In a letter to parishioners last year, Mr. Gigantiello that allowing Carpenter to film inside the church was a “lapse of judgment.” He has not responded to the allegations that led to his firing.

On Monday, Bishop Brennan said a major review during the investigation uncovered other instances of administrative misconduct, including Mr. Gigantiello, who used a credit card for personal expenses.

Bishop Brennan also said that Mr. From 2019 to 2021, Gigantiello transferred nearly $2 million (£1.5 million) in church funds to bank accounts associated with a former employee of New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Adams was indicted in September five counts of criminal acts, including bribery, fraud and solicitation of illegal foreign campaign donations. A series of investigations have centered on Adams and those in his circle — leading to subpoenas, law enforcement raids and a flurry of resignations by top officials who help run New York City.