JPMorgan Executive Fired After Viral Video Incident at Knicks Parade
Incident Overview
A high-ranking official at JPMorgan Chase has been let go following the circulation of a video that seemingly depicts her taking a limited-edition New York Knicks-themed public trash bin during the team's championship celebration. Angie Báez, 40, previously held the position of Executive Director of Community and Industry Engagement for Card and Connected Commerce at JPMorgan Chase, as noted on her LinkedIn profile. The incident was recorded in videos that went viral on social media over the weekend.
In the footage, Báez, wearing Knicks apparel, is seen emptying the contents of a blue-and-orange commemorative trash bin onto a sidewalk in Manhattan before leaving with it. Additional clips showed her transporting the bin on a subway train in New York City. JPMorgan Chase confirmed to a local media outlet that Báez is no longer with the firm, stating, "This employee is no longer with the company," according to a spokesperson.
Sources indicated that the bank took action after the video gained significant attention online. Báez had been promoted to her executive position at JPMorgan Chase over a year ago. Prior to her tenure at the bank, she was the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at The Infatuation, a restaurant review platform that was acquired by Chase as part of its expansion into lifestyle and consumer content.
A biography previously published by The Infatuation highlighted Báez's commitment to making a positive impact, noting her contributions to positioning the company as a leader in promoting equity within the food media industry. Described as a vibrant individual with Dominican heritage and Bronx roots, Báez was recognized for her storytelling and cultural creativity.
Other online profiles reveal that Báez has held diversity and inclusion leadership roles at various organizations, including Squarespace and Saks Fifth Avenue. She is also a co-founder of Same Page Co., a talent agency focused on enhancing representation in media and creative sectors.
Under New York law, theft of property valued under $1,000 is generally classified as petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in fines, community service, or court summonses, especially for first-time offenders. The New York Police Department stated on June 20 that no formal complaints had been filed regarding the incident, and Báez has not faced any criminal charges.
The New York City Department of Sanitation condemned the actions displayed in the video, stating, "Dumping trash onto the street and stealing public property for personal use are both illegal and antisocial behaviors, not representative of New Yorkers. Moreover, doing so on camera is incredibly foolish," the department remarked in a statement. This incident took place during the Knicks' championship parade, which attracted large crowds throughout New York City.