A claim circulated online stating that JPMorgan Chase terminated a diversity, equity, and inclusion executive after she was seen taking a New York Knicks-themed trash can during the team’s NBA Championship celebrations.
Videos captured a woman, identified as Angie Báez, emptying and removing a Knicks-themed trash can on Church Street in Manhattan on June 18, 2026. Further footage showed her on the subway with the can.
Báez’s role at JPMorgan Chase did not appear to be in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Online databases suggest her most recent position at Chase, starting in 2025, was as “executive director, community and industry engagement, card and connected commerce.” Báez had previously held DEI-related positions at other companies, including The Infatuation.
A spokesperson for JPMorgan Chase confirmed that Báez is “no longer with the company.” However, the company did not confirm whether her departure was directly linked to the incident with the trash can or if she was fired.
The New York City Department of Sanitation confirmed that Báez returned the stolen trash can and was issued two summonses for littering and impeding DSNY operations, totaling $175 in fines. The department also noted that the trash cans were part of a collaboration with the clothing brand Only NY and that they were unaware of other instances of them being stolen. The New York Police Department reported no complaint filings related to the videos.
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