Pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter can’t seem to catch a break. Before her infectious, sun-soaked anthem “Espresso” took over the charts in the summer of 2024, she caught the world’s attention with the slinky “Nonsense” and had TikTokers swaying their hips. Carpenter wasted no time catching the momentum and released the music video for “Feather,” a bubblegum-pop track that celebrates the joys of breaking up, literally feeling “lighter” after shedding off the burden of a bad relationship. Not everyone was a fan of the music video – specifically the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn. But what the church doesn’t realize is that their little administrative slip-up is about to explode into a city-wide legal case involving the New York City Mayor.
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Feather” Music Video Was Filmed in a Church
Carpenter’s “Feather” music video, released on October 31, 2023, caused quite a ruckus among the Catholic community. It wasn’t because of the clip’s visceral portrayals of rude men getting killed, but because of where it was filmed. Directed by Mia Barnes – who’s also worked with Ed Sheeran, Renee Rapp, and Camila Cabello – one of the video’s memorable scenes is filmed inside the historic Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Brooklyn. While this particular section doesn’t show anything that’s NSFW, Carpenter – dressed in a super short black tulle dress and veil, is seen prancing around pastel coffins and funeral decor in the church’s altar and pews. The gore-inspired theme isn’t done for the aesthetics – it’s a tale of Carpenter getting revenge on the men who harass or mistreat her.
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Unfortunately, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn wasn’t pleased with the use of the church in the video. Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, who approved of the usage of the church as a means of bridging with the creative community, explained that he wasn’t present during the film, and had not anticipated any controversial content. Not long after the video’s release, Gigantiell was stripped of his leadership roles for greenlighting the shoot without following proper protocol. In response, the bishop held a special Mass to reclaim the sacredness of the space.
A Simple Review Turned Into a Shocking Embezzlement Scandal
What started as backlash over Carpenter’s “Feather” music video being filmed in a Brooklyn church has since snowballed into something much bigger. The investigation on Gigantiello evolved into a major controversy – this time over money. An internal investigation by the Diocese of Brooklyn revealed that between 2019 and 2021, Gigantiello allegedly transferred nearly $2 million in parish funds to accounts tied to a former aide of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who faced legal trouble of his own. The diocese claims the transfers were made without approval and that Gigantiello also racked up large personal expenses on a church credit card. Bishop Robert J. Brennan of the Diocese of Brooklyn released a statement regarding the severity of the situation.
“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. In order to safeguard the public trust, and to protect church funds, I have appointed Bishop Witold Mroziewski as administrator of the Parish.”
As a result, Gigantiello was removed from his position, and Bishop Witold Mroziewski was brought in to take over administrative duties. Gigantiello has since spoken out, calling the investigation a “witch hunt” and defending his actions. It was also revealed that Gigantiello secretly recorded conversations inside the church. One of these recordings captured Deacon Dean Dobbins, his temporary replacement, using racist and offensive language – prompting the diocese to remove Dobbins as well.
Sabrina Carpenter Faces Backlash Over ‘Man’s Best Friend’ Album Cover
Following the “Feather” music video backlash, Carpenter has been hit with controversy after controversy. From the scandalous “Nonsense” outros to her infamous “Have you ever tried this one?” bits during “Juno,” the singer made a name for herself thanks to her playful humor. This time around, Carpenter’s upcoming album Man’s Best Friend is already stirring conversation online because of its audacious cover. The image shows her kneeling in front of a man who’s holding her hair like a leash, which some fans view as a satirical take on how women are often treated like “pets” in relationships. For supporters, it’s a bold and ironic twist that plays into the album’s tongue-in-cheek title. But others aren’t convinced. Critics have called it regressive, saying it reinforces sexist tropes and over-sexualizes the female body to appeal to the male gaze.
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But if there’s one thing Carpenter is good at, it’s the art of clapping back. In response to the “Feather” music video controversy, not only did she clarify that her team received approval in advance, she doubled down by wearing a “Jesus was a Carpenter” shirt during her Coachella set. Carpenter also shows the same devil-may-care attitude towards the backlash surrounding her new album cover. In her Rolling Stone shoot, released shortly after her album announcement, she appeared completely nude – except for thigh-high lace socks and her long blonde hair covering her body. As she points out in an interview with the publication, her cheeky moments may get the most attention, but there’s more to her artistry than just that.