The Aftermath of Sabrina Carpenter’s Church Filming in the ‘Feather’ Video

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Sabrina Carpenter released, last Halloween, the music video for her song «Feather,» which she had introduced seven months earlier. However, a recent report in The New York Times has shed light on the aftermath of filming that video; in which the former Disney star is seen wearing different outfits, including a black bodysuit covered in tulle and a matching veil, singing and dancing inside an empty church. Some found these dance moves a bit too provocative and inappropriate for a holy place like a church. 

As it turns out, the video was filmed in a Catholic church in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and the church’s priest faced consequences for allowing the filming to take place inside and outside the church. 

The Controversy: Music & Religion 

This combination has often sparked controversy, as seen with artists like Madonna and C. Tangana. In this case, the church didn’t follow the diocesan policy for filming on church property, which includes reviewing scenes and the script. 

If you watch Sabrina’s entire video, you’ll notice that her character goes on a rampage, resulting in the deaths of men who had mistreated her. This storyline clearly conflicts with the church’s teachings. Monsignor Jaime J. Gigantello, who approved the filming, stated that he had thoroughly investigated Sabrina and found nothing objectionable. His aim was to encourage stronger connections among the young creative artists within the Catholic community. 

The Complaint

Bishop Brennan had a different perspective. He relieved Monsignor Gigantello of his duties and reported the incident to the Catholic news agency. He accused Sabrina of appearing ‘without pants’ in the church while profane decorations adorned the altar and its surroundings. Reportedly, a Reparation Mass had to be held to ‘restore the sanctity of the church’ and address the damage caused by the video.

Nonetheless, as reported by The New York Times, some other Catholics, both in interviews and on social media, described the punishment as excessively severe, “The church ought to have been monitored, but Monsignor is a good man,” a former parishioner said. “I’m sure the majority of people will forgive him or don’t blame him.”

This incident adds to a long history of controversies surrounding the intersection of music and religion.