From Yahoo News:
Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, the former leader of the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Brooklyn, has been stripped of his pastoral duties following an investigation into his actions. The investigation was initially sparked by the controversy surrounding a music video by pop star Sabrina Carpenter, filmed at the church in 2023. The video, for Carpenter’s song “Feather,” depicted provocative scenes involving dancing and coffins in front of the church’s altar. The diocese condemned the shoot, stating that proper filming procedures had not been followed. Gigantiello acknowledged the lapse in judgment, claiming he wasn’t present during the shoot and did not realize its provocative nature.
Further investigation into Gigantiello’s administration revealed more troubling issues, including unauthorized financial transfers. Between 2019 and 2021, Gigantiello moved $1.9 million in parish funds to bank accounts connected to Frank Carone, a former top aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is under investigation for corruption. Additionally, Gigantiello used a church credit card for significant personal expenses.
As a result of these findings, the bishop of Brooklyn, Robert Brennan, removed Gigantiello from any governance role at the church and appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as the new administrator. While Gigantiello can still say Mass with approval from Mroziewski, his pastoral and financial duties have been revoked. The church aims to protect public trust and safeguard its resources in light of these revelations.
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