A Catholic priest was demoted and relieved of administrative duties after allowing a singer, Sabrina Carpenter, to use his Brooklyn church as a location for an inappropriate song video.
The clip, viewed over 9.7 million times, features Carpenter in a tulle top and tights, engaged in faux-mourning and contentious situations at Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Annunciation Parish, which is governed by Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello.
After the video was made public, the Diocese of Brooklyn announced its dismay and opened an investigation. A “mass of reparation” was also held to address the alleged defilement, which was attended by visibly outraged parishioners.
“Bishop Brennan is appalled at what was filmed at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Brooklyn,” the diocese said in a statement. “The parish did not follow diocesan policy regarding the filming on Church property, which includes a review of the scenes and script.”
After being relieved of all administrative duties and removed from his position as Vicar for Development for the Diocese of Brooklyn, Gigantiello expressed remorse on the church’s Facebook page, calling the video a “shameful representation.”
The priest later clarified that he had given the go-ahead for the production after Sabrina Carpenter’s internet background checked up perfectly. He also expressed sincere regret and promised to send the $5,000 revenues to a crisis pregnancy clinic. Some parishioners, who thought the pastor’s penalty was excessive, showed support for him despite the scandal.
