The family of Janet Damiro, a 71-year-old cleaner recently sacked from the London School of Economics, has responded to widespread coverage of the incident, calling the web and media narratives incorrect and lacking important details.
In a statement on Friday, the victim’s daughter, Aina Damiro, detailed the events that led to her mother’s firing, claiming that the matter had been “blown out of proportion”.
According to her, the incident happened in February, during the closing minutes of Janet’s morning shift, when she discovered a bracelet on the floor.
Damiro apparently picked it up with the intention of turning it in but then forgot.
She stated that the bracelet was left untouched in her coin wallet, which remained in her locker at the university.
“When approached about the bracelet a few days later, she was honest and cooperative.
“She retrieved it immediately and explained what had happened. There was no denial or attempt to hide it,” she said.
The family says it was a case of forgetfulness rather than theft or malfeasance, emphasising Janet’s years of devoted service to the institution.
They contended that the university’s decision to terminate her employment was unreasonable and lacked empathy, particularly for an elderly worker nearing retirement.
The family said, “To see her name and image used to suggest wrongdoing is not only unfair but deeply hurtful.
“This was an innocent mistake that has been misrepresented in a way that raises questions about how older workers, particularly women of colour in lower-paid roles, are treated.”
The family revealed that Janet granted the interview to Metro UK in good faith, hoping to raise awareness, not to be vilified.
“We hope the public and media will reconsider how they are framing this story,” the family added, urging institutions to reflect on their duty to support vulnerable and long-serving members of staff.
The LSE has not issued a formal response at the time of filing this report.
