Angie Baez, the 40-year-old Knicks fan who went viral for stealing a commemorative trash can during the New York Knicks championship parade on June 18, has been fired from her job at JPMorgan Chase, according to a report by the New York Post.
Job Loss After Viral Theft
According to her now-deleted LinkedIn profile, Baez was the executive director of community and industry engagement for card and connected commerce at JPMorgan Chase before she was terminated on Tuesday. A JPMorgan Chase spokesperson told the Post: “This employee is no longer with the company.”
Baez had also previously served as executive director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at The Infatuation, a New York review site that was purchased by Chase to expand into lifestyle and experiential content.
The Viral Video
The video, which drew widespread condemnation on social media, shows Baez wearing an orange hat, blue Knicks shirt, and jean shorts, dumping a heap of trash onto the sidewalk and walking away with the Knicks-coloured trash can while onlookers watched. Another video shows her sitting on a subway train smiling proudly with the stolen can.
Social media users expressed disgust. One wrote, “Trash is, as trash does…” Another commented, “She needs to go on trash detail for the next five years.” A third stated, “Never seen trash taking out the trash.”
Background in DEI Roles
Baez’s biography on The Infatuation’s website described her as helping position the publication as a “trailblazer in the pursuit of a more equitable and relatable food media industry.” It added, “As a vibrant mosaic of Dominican heritage, Bronx roots, and a passion for storytelling, creativity, and culture, Angie continues to lead the way towards a more inclusive and equitable future for food media.”
She also co-founded Same Page Co., a queer and Black, Indigenous and people of colour-owned talent agency, and previously worked in diversity and inclusion roles at Squarespace, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hudson’s Bay, and Saks Off 5th.
Legal Consequences
Under New York City law, stealing the trash can is considered a Class A misdemeanour, as theft of property valued under $1,000 is typically a petit larceny charge. Littering could also bring additional penalties. However, consequences for first-time offenders are usually minimal, resulting in a fine, summons, or community service.
The New York Police Department said on June 20 that no complaints had been received about the incident, and Baez had not been charged with a crime.
