Sabrina Carpenter Music Video Controversy Sparks NYC Mayoral Election Upset

Zohran Mamdani has won the New York City mayoral election. His victory marks a historic moment for the city. He will become its first Muslim and South Asian mayor upon taking office.

Now, a surprising theory is gaining traction online. Many are crediting pop star Sabrina Carpenter for inadvertently setting these events in motion. The connection involves a controversial music video and a federal probe.

The Butterfly Effect from “Feather” to City Hall

The chain reaction began with Carpenter’s 2023 music video for her hit song “Feather.” It was filmed inside a Brooklyn church. The video’s content, which featured provocative imagery, sparked immediate backlash from the Catholic Diocese.

Church officials were appalled by the footage. According to the New York Times, Monsignor Jamie J. Gigantiello was subsequently removed from his duties for allowing the filming. This initial controversy opened the door to greater scrutiny.

Federal investigators then subpoenaed the church. This was part of a broader corruption probe into then-Mayor Eric Adams. The investigation examined Gigantiello’s alleged business dealings with Adams’ confidantes.

How a Federal Probe Cleared the Path for a New Mayor

The federal investigation led to Eric Adams’ indictment on bribery charges in September 2024. Although the charges were later dropped, the damage was done. Adams chose to re-enter the mayoral race but ultimately withdrew just one month before the election.

His exit fundamentally changed the race. It narrowed the field to a three-way contest between Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa. Political analysts suggest that without Adams splitting the vote, Mamdani’s path to victory became clearer.

This sequence has led social media users to connect the dots. They see a direct, if unintended, line from a pop video to a political upset. The theory suggests that without the video, the probe might not have reached the mayor’s office, keeping Adams in the race.

The unexpected link between a pop culture moment and a political earthquake shows how small events can have vast consequences. The Sabrina Carpenter theory, while unproven, adds a fascinating layer to a historic New York City election.

Info at your fingertips

What is the Sabrina Carpenter “Feather” church controversy?

The music video was filmed in a Brooklyn church without full diocesan approval. It featured Carpenter in a revealing outfit, which church leaders found deeply offensive and led to an internal shake-up.

How was the church linked to Mayor Eric Adams?

The priest who approved the filming was investigated for his business dealings with associates of Mayor Adams. This connection brought the church into the wider federal probe into City Hall.

What were the charges against Eric Adams?

Former Mayor Adams was indicted on federal bribery charges. The charges were later dropped without prejudice, meaning they could potentially be refiled at a later date.

Why did Eric Adams drop out of the mayoral race?

Adams cited “constant media speculation” surrounding the federal investigation as his reason for withdrawing. His exit simplified the election field for the remaining candidates.

Is Sabrina Carpenter directly responsible for the election result?

No. There is no direct causation, only a speculated chain of events. The theory is a popular narrative but not a proven fact.

Trusted Sources

New York Times, Catholic News Agency, Entertainment Weekly.