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Sabrina Carpenter nods to accusation against Eric Adams during MSG show

Sabrina Carpenter brought up her possible role in the recent indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams during her concert at Madison Square Garden last night. As he addressed the cheering audience, Carpenter recognized the speculation and said, “Damn, now what? “Should we talk about how I indicted the mayor or…”

There were rumors that it was the production of Carpenter's “Feather” music video that led to an investigation into alleged corruption. The Mia Barnes-directed video, filmed at Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, caused controversy when it was released in October and led to the Diocese of Brooklyn saying it was “horrified” by the “violent and sexually provocative” Video. The church had to be blessed again and Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, who had allowed Carpenter to film the video in the church, was demoted.

In a statement, Gigantiello said he was upset by the video and apologized “sincerely” to the church and its parishioners. He agreed to have the video made to “strengthen the bonds between the young creative artists who make up a large part of this community and the parish.”

Carpenter, for her part, recounted it diversity that she had permission to film there. “We got permission in advance,” said the singer. “And Jesus was a carpenter.”

According to the New York Post, federal investigators last week subpoenaed the church over “business dealings” between Gigantiello, a close associate of Adams, and the mayor's former chief of staff, Frank Carone. It has been suggested that the filming of the “Feather” music video may have led to greater scrutiny of Gigantiello's actions, leading to an investigation into Adams.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further on this review, which is ongoing,” the Diocese of Brooklyn said post in a statement. “The diocese is fully committed to cooperating with law enforcement in any investigation, including conduct in individual parishes or the involvement of a priest.”

During her performance of “Feather” at Madison Square Garden, Carpenter further nodded to the controversy, remarking at the end of the song, “I play at MSG and you don't!”

Last week, Adams was indicted on federal criminal charges, becoming the city's first mayor to be charged with crimes while in office. Although the nature of the charges remains unclear, prior to the indictment, Adams and his administration were embroiled in a tangled web of federal investigations that included subpoenas, raids and riots at City Hall.

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Adams responded to the charges in a statement: “I always knew that if I stood up for New Yorkers I would be a target – and a target I became. “If I am charged, I am and will be innocent fight it with all my strength and all my will.”

The “Feather” music video currently has more than 89 million views on YouTube.