Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter’s music video spurs outrage for using NY Catholic church as a setting

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The music video of pop singer Sabrina Carpenter has sparked controversy due to its use of a Roman Catholic church in Brooklyn as a backdrop. In this video, Carpenter is seen dancing next to pastel-colored coffins within the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, which has led to significant repercussions.

The video, titled “Feather,” was released on October 31st and features various scenarios in which Carpenter interacts with men exhibiting inappropriate behavior, such as taking nonconsensual photos of her body, followed by their unfortunate demise. Towards the end of the video, Carpenter, aged 24, is captured dancing in the church while adorned in a short tulle dress and a black veil.

The day after the video’s release, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, responsible for overseeing Catholic churches in Brooklyn and Queens, expressed its dismay, asserting that proper procedures for permitting filming had not been followed.

Subsequently, Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, the church’s pastor, had his administrative duties within the church revoked by the diocese, and his role as the vicar of development for the diocese was terminated. To address the situation, Bishop Robert Brennan conducted a Mass of Reparation at the church, aiming to restore its sanctity and rectify the harm caused.

Efforts to obtain comments from representatives of Sabrina Carpenter and the video director, Mia Barnes, have been made but remain unanswered.

In a Facebook post, Monsignor Gigantiello sought forgiveness from the church community, explaining that a film crew had approached them in September. He allowed the filming after a thorough search of the participants revealed nothing objectionable, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen bonds with the creative young artists who constitute a significant part of the community. He also mentioned that he was not present during the filming, unaware of any provocative actions, and had no prior knowledge of coffins being placed within the church.

Sabrina Carpenter, known for her earlier appearance on the Disney Channel’s “Girl Meets World” series, has been involved in singing for several years. Her music video, despite the controversy, has garnered 11 million views on YouTube since its release.

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More about Church Controversy

• Sabrina Carpenter’s “Feather” Music Video
• Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn
• Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Brooklyn
• Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello
• Bishop Robert Brennan
• Sabrina Carpenter’s Career