2. The “Feather” Music Video Fallout—Indirect Legal Ripples
In October 2023, Carpenter’s career once again intersected with legal controversy, though not as a defendant. The music video for “Feather” was filmed in a Brooklyn Catholic church, featuring visuals that some described as “provocative” and “grisly,” including scenes of Carpenter dancing before the altar.
Church and Diocese Backlash:
The Diocese of Brooklyn quickly distanced itself, expressing outrage over the video and noting that its own rules for on-site filming were ignored. Their internal investigation uncovered unrelated but severe financial misconduct by Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello—the church’s priest who authorized the video shoot.
Legal and Political Consequences:
This investigation spiraled outward, revealing a pattern of alleged mismanagement of nearly $2 million in parish funds. The probe further exposed unauthorized transfers linked to Frank Carone, a close ally of then-New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The fallout was dramatic: Gigantiello lost his duties, and the inquiry led to a broader federal investigation, eventually contributing to the indictment of Mayor Adams on bribery charges.
Carpenter’s Reaction:
Rather than retreat, Carpenter leaned into the controversy—reportedly joking during a live show, “I got the mayor indicted.” But crucially, she was never the subject of litigation or criminal scrutiny; the legal dominos fell all around her, yet her own record remained clear.
