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New York Priest Embroiled in $1.9M Financial Scandal

In a shocking turn of events, a Brooklyn priest has been stripped of his pastoral duties after a church investigation, initially sparked by a provocative pop star video shoot, revealed nearly $2 million in unauthorized financial transfers and other instances of mismanagement. The scandal has rocked the Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn and left parishioners at Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Annunciation Parish reeling.

Pop Star Video Shoot Sparks Investigation

The unraveling of Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello’s improprieties began in November 2023, when former Disney Channel star Sabrina Carpenter filmed a music video for her hit song “Feather” at Gigantiello’s church. The video, which featured Carpenter dancing provocatively in front of the altar and alongside faux coffins, drew swift condemnation from church officials.

At the time, Gigantiello claimed approving the shoot was a “lapse in judgment” and maintained he was not present during filming. However, the incident prompted a broader review of the monsignor’s leadership, ultimately uncovering a pattern of financial mismanagement and violations of diocesan policies.

$1.9 Million in Questionable Transfers

The most alarming revelation from the investigation was that Gigantiello had transferred $1.9 million in parish funds to bank accounts affiliated with Frank Carone, former chief of staff to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, between 2019 and 2021. According to Bishop Robert Brennan, who oversees the Diocese of Brooklyn, these transactions were carried out without proper approval or documentation, in clear violation of the diocese’s investment protocols.

While Carone’s law firm has since repaid $1 million of the transferred funds with interest, questions remain about the nature and purpose of these substantial financial dealings between the priest and the former mayoral aide. Federal investigators have subpoenaed the church for information related to Carone and Gigantiello’s financial relationship, though neither has been formally accused of wrongdoing at this time.

Personal Expenses and Racist Language

Beyond the unauthorized transfers, the investigation also found evidence that Gigantiello had used a church credit card for “substantial” personal expenses. Additionally, a deacon appointed as temporary administrator during the inquiry was found to have used racist and offensive language in private conversations secretly recorded at Gigantiello’s behest.

In light of these serious violations of diocesan policies and the public trust, Bishop Brennan has relieved Gigantiello of “any pastoral oversight or governance role” at Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Annunciation Parish. The monsignor has also been removed from his fundraising duties as vicar of development for the diocese.

Parish Under New Leadership

Moving forward, Bishop Witold Mroziewski has been appointed as administrator of the troubled parish, assuming complete authority over both administrative and liturgical matters. While Gigantiello will still be permitted to say Mass with Mroziewski’s approval, his once-prominent role in the church has been drastically diminished.

As the Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn grapples with the fallout from this scandal, Bishop Brennan has emphasized the church’s commitment to cooperating fully with law enforcement investigations. The faithful, meanwhile, are left to reconcile their trust in the institution with the unsettling revelations about one of its formerly leading figures.

Pop Star Makes Light of Scandal

For her part, Sabrina Carpenter has seemingly taken the controversy in stride. During a concert at Madison Square Garden in September 2024, the singer cheekily alluded to her role in the unfolding drama, quipping to the crowd: “Damn, what now? Should we talk about how I got the mayor indicted?

As the investigation continues and the diocese works to restore trust among the faithful, the full extent of Gigantiello’s misdeeds and their implications for the church and the city government remain to be seen. For now, parishioners are left to grapple with a profound sense of betrayal and the knowledge that the place they once turned to for spiritual guidance and solace has become the center of a sordid scandal.