A New York City priest has been relieved of his duties after an investigation revealed instances of mismanagement, including unauthorized financial transfers and controversial actions related to a pop star’s music video shoot at his church. Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, leader of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Annunciation Parish in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, was stripped of his pastoral and administrative roles, effective Monday. The decision follows a probe into his actions, which church officials say violated diocesan policies.
The investigation, which was carried out by Alvarez & Marsal and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, uncovered evidence of serious misconduct. Gigantiello, who had allowed singer Sabrina Carpenter to film provocative scenes for her music video at the church, was found to have made unauthorized transfers of parish funds to a former aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The aide, Frank Carone, is under investigation for corruption, though neither he nor Gigantiello has been charged with wrongdoing.
Bishop Robert Brennan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn announced that Bishop Witold Mroziewski would take over the leadership of the parish, ensuring proper oversight of both financial and spiritual matters. Gigantiello’s powers were reduced, and while he can still perform Mass with approval, Mroziewski now has complete authority over the parish.
In addition to Gigantiello’s removal, a deacon, who had temporarily been appointed as administrator during the investigation, was also dismissed for using offensive language during secret recordings made at Gigantiello’s direction. These recordings took place in the parish office, where the deacon made racist comments.
The controversy surrounding Gigantiello began after Carpenter’s music video for her hit song "Feather" was released in October 2023. The video, which shows the singer dancing in front of the church altar while dressed provocatively, sparked outrage among churchgoers and the public. At the time, the diocese expressed disapproval, stating that proper procedures for filming were not followed.
Gigantiello later apologized in a letter to parishioners, calling his approval of the video a "lapse in judgment." He maintained he was not present during the shoot and did not realize how provocative it would be. However, Monday's announcement revealed that the investigation also uncovered other troubling financial activities.
Between 2019 and 2021, Gigantiello transferred $1.9 million in parish funds to accounts linked to Carone, without seeking prior approval or providing proper documentation, which violated diocesan financial protocols. Carone’s law firm has repaid $1 million of the funds, with about 9% interest, but Gigantiello’s actions are still under scrutiny.
Federal authorities have subpoenaed the church as part of the ongoing investigation into the financial dealings, and the diocese has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement.
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