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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Caroline Darney

The Sabrina Carpenter and NYC mayor Eric Adams church scandal connection, explained

Sabrina Carpenter performed at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night as part of her highly anticipated Short n’ Sweet tour. Carpenter, who has had an absolutely massive year with smash hits like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” is four shows into her 47 show tour that will take her all over the United States, plus Canada and Europe.

MORE: Sabrina Carpenter wore a Maple Leafs jersey at a concert and NHL fans had so many jokes

During the performance Sunday night, the bubbly singer chatted with the crowd between songs. “What now? Should we talk about how I got the mayor indicted?” she said with a smile and a quizzical tone.

Carpenter was referring to recently-indicted New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was brought up on charges of corruption and bribery. What’s the deal here? Let’s break it down:

How is Sabrina Carpenter involved with New York mayor Eric Adams?

In order to answer that, we have to go back to October of 2023 when Carpenter released the music video for her song “Feather.” The video has the 5-foot singer dealing with unwanted attention from men, having them fight each other and even get hit by a bus. But the part that got the most criticism involved Carpenter singing both inside and outside of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Brooklyn.

Was there an investigation?

There sure was! While Carpenter received permission from Monsignor Jamie J. Gigantiello to shoot the video at and in the church, not everyone was happy with the decision. About a month after the release of the “Feather” video, news broke that Gigantiello had been disciplined and relieved of his administrative duty at the church.

According to the Diocese of Brooklyn, Bishop Robert Brennan was “appalled” by the video and that Carpenter had been allowed to shoot inside the church. The joint statement with the Catholic News Agency also said “The parish did not follow diocesan policy regarding the filming on Church property, which includes a review of the scenes and script.”

So what does Eric Adams have to do with this?

Apparently the investigation of Monsignor Gigantiello with regards to the “Feather” video brought attention to his dealings and relationship with Frank Carone, Adams’ former chief of staff. The federal inquiry into the known associates of Mayor Adams was part of the piece-by-piece case put together that led to the indictment.

Who knew a music video could potentially have such an impact?

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