A recent scandal has rocked the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, as Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello has been accused of mismanagement and subsequently relieved of his duties.
The controversy stems from the filming of popstar Sabrina Carpenter’s music video inside the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in October 2023.
The decision to allow Carpenter to film provocative scenes, including dancing on the altar in a short black dress and defacing a crucifix, sparked outrage among church officials and parishioners.
The Diocese launched an investigation, which uncovered additional instances of mismanagement, including unapproved financial transfers and the inappropriate use of church funds.
Bishop Robert Brennan announced that Gigantiello had been stripped of his pastoral oversight and governance role, with a replacement already installed.
In a statement, Bishop Brennan expressed his disappointment at the serious violations of Diocesan policies and protocols uncovered during the investigation.
Furthermore, it was revealed that Gigantiello had been using a church credit card for personal expenses and had transferred nearly $2 million in church funds to bank accounts affiliated with a former staff member of New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
This revelation ties into the larger scandal surrounding Adams, who was indicted in September on charges including bribery, wire fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations.
The news of Gigantiello’s dismissal and the broader investigation into financial impropriety within the Diocese has cast a shadow over the church and its leadership.
Parishioners and members of the community are left questioning the integrity and accountability of those entrusted with the stewardship of church resources.
