New York, NY – During her “Short N’ Sweet” tour stop in New York City, pop star Sabrina Carpenter made a lighthearted comment about her alleged involvement in the recent indictment of Mayor Eric Adams on federal corruption charges. Carpenter, known for her spontaneous remarks during performances, joked about her connection to the scandal while interacting with the audience at Madison Square Garden.
The Mayor was indicted for allegedly accepting extravagant travel perks and illegal campaign donations from a foreign official in exchange for political favors, such as facilitating the construction of a Turkish consulate building. Despite maintaining his innocence, Adams’ legal team has called for the dismissal of the bribery charge, arguing that the allegation lacks clarity and does not constitute a federal offense.
While Carpenter’s remark appeared to be tongue-in-cheek, it alluded to the ongoing federal investigations into potential financial transactions involving Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where she filmed part of her “Feather” music video. Sources revealed that the church received a subpoena seeking information on dealings between Frank Carone, a former aide to Mayor Adams, and a monsignor named Jamie Gigantiello.
Both Gigantiello and Carone have denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing their long-standing friendship. The inquiry into their activities remains in its initial stages, with the Brooklyn Diocese expressing full cooperation with law enforcement authorities. However, details surrounding the investigation’s scope and implications remain unclear, with Carpenter unlikely to possess any pertinent insights on the matter.
The demotion of Monsignor Gigantiello following the release of Carpenter’s music video underscored the potential consequences of the ongoing federal probes. As questions arise about the nature of transactions between Carone and the monsignor, it exposes a broader pattern of scrutiny towards City Hall, the NYPD, and previous campaign fundraising efforts under Mayor Adams. The investigations have already led to significant developments, including the resignation of the NYPD commissioner and the seizure of phones belonging to key mayoral aides by the FBI.
Amidst the controversies enveloping City Hall, the involvement of Carone and the monsignor in a separate federal inquiry further complicates the political landscape in New York City. While official spokespeople remain tight-lipped on the matter, the unfolding investigations continue to cast a shadow over the administration’s integrity and accountability. As the legal proceedings progress, the interconnected web of relationships and transactions within the city’s power structures faces heightened scrutiny and potential legal ramifications.