Brooklyn Priest Removed from Duties After Sabrina Carpenter Music Video Controversy

Sabrina Carpenter's music video "Feather" has sparked controversy since its release. While some fans praised its creativity, many expressed outrage over scenes filmed in a church—an act seen as inappropriate by Catholic communities. This has raised questions about who approved the shoot and whether the priest involved is still serving at the church. Here's what unfolded behind the scenes.

After church officials said an inquiry found more examples of poor management, the leader of a church in New York City where pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter shot explicit scenes for a music video was fired on Monday.

In a statement released by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, Bishop Robert Brennan announced that Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello had been stripped of "any pastoral oversight or governance role" at his church in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.

According to Brennan, an inquiry was started when the video showed that Gigantiello sent money to a former top staffer in the administration of New York City Mayor Eric Adams without authorization. The investigation is being conducted on corruption-related allegations.

“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 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Annunciation Parish,” the bishop said. “In order to safeguard the public trust, and to protect church funds, I have appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as administrator of the Parish.”

Following criticism of Carpenter's music video for her hit song "Feather" in November of last year, Gigantiello's administrative authority was revoked.