The family of Janet Damiro, a 71-year-old cleaner who was recently dismissed from her position at the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE), has come forward to address the growing controversy surrounding her termination. They strongly condemn what they describe as misleading media narratives and a lack of full context in much of the online discussion, emphasizing that the situation has been misunderstood and unfairly portrayed.
In a detailed statement released to PUNCH Online, Janet’s daughter, Aina Damiro, gave a comprehensive explanation of the events that led to her mother’s dismissal, asserting that the entire incident has been “blown out of proportion” and that many critical facts have been omitted in public coverage.
Aina explained that the incident took place in February during the final moments of Janet’s morning shift when she discovered a bracelet lying on the floor. Out of good faith, Janet picked up the bracelet intending to hand it over to the lost and found department but, in an honest mistake, forgot about it thereafter. The bracelet was later found inside Janet’s coin wallet, which she kept secured in her locker at the university.
“When the university management approached her regarding the bracelet a few days later, my mother was completely honest and cooperative. She immediately produced the bracelet and explained exactly what happened without any hesitation. There was no attempt to conceal the item or deny responsibility,” Aina added, stressing her mother’s transparency throughout the process.
The family vehemently rejects the unfair characterization of Janet’s actions, which they believe wrongly suggests theft or misconduct. They describe the university’s decision to terminate her employment as a “disproportionate action that lacked basic compassion and understanding.”
Janet had been a loyal employee at LSE for several years, and her family contends that her long-standing dedication and her age—being close to retirement—should have been taken into consideration when handling the matter.
“It is deeply hurtful to see her name and image used in media reports to imply wrongdoing where none existed. This was a simple, honest mistake, yet it has been sensationalized in a way that raises important questions about the treatment of older workers, especially women of colour in lower-paid, service roles,” the family stated firmly.
Further highlighting Janet’s character and the challenges she faces, the family revealed that Janet had recently granted an interview to Metro UK, aiming to shed light on the daily struggles experienced by workers in her position rather than seeking personal sympathy or becoming a subject of public vilification.
“We sincerely hope that both the public and the media will reconsider how this story is being framed and take a more compassionate and fair stance. It is crucial that institutions demonstrate greater support and care for vulnerable employees who have served faithfully over the years,” the family concluded in their statement, calling for a shift in how similar cases are handled in the future.