Brooklyn Diocese removes local pastor after music video prompts investigation
On Halloween of 2023, Grammy-nominated singer Sabrina Carpenter released a music video for her hit single "Feather" filmed at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Annunciation of the Blessed Mary Parish.
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The fall out from a controversial music video filmed at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Annunciation of the Blessed Mary Parish is still being felt over a year later.
On Halloween of 2023, Grammy-nominated singer Sabrina Carpenter released a music video for her hit single "Feather" filmed at the church. The Brooklyn Diocese quickly denounced the video, which features Carpenter dancing in front of religious symbols while male actors literally die for her attention. The Diocese also said the church did not follow filming policy, which should have included reviewing the scenes filmed and the script.
After the video’s release, the Diocese says an additional investigation discovered Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello had allegedly mishandled church funds, which according to the Diocese, included the transferring of millions in parish funds to accounts affiliated with the law firm of Frank Carone, an attorney and former chief of staff for Mayor Eric Adams.
The temporary administrator, Deacon Dean Dobbins has also been let go from the church after the Diocese says he used racist language in a private conversation, supposedly recorded at the direction of Gigantiello.
Multiple reports have also tied Monsignor Gigantiello to the current investigation into Mayor Adams handling of campaign funds, for which he was recently indicted.
Meanwhile, the Diocese has appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as administrator of the parish for now.
