JPMorgan Executive Lorna Hajdini Sues Ex-Banker Chirayu Rana For Defamation Over Allegations

Lorna Hajdini, a senior executive at JPMorgan Chase, has filed a defamation lawsuit against former banker Chirayu Rana, denying allegations of sexual abuse and accusing him of orchestrating a malicious campaign aimed at damaging her reputation and extracting millions of dollars from both her and the bank. The lawsuit was filed in the New York State Supreme Court and marks a major escalation in a controversy that has attracted significant public and media attention in recent weeks.

According to reports, Hajdini’s legal filing describes Rana’s allegations as “entirely false, malicious and fabricated.” The lawsuit claims that Rana deliberately spread damaging accusations publicly after failing to secure a substantial financial settlement. Hajdini’s lawyers argued that the allegations were part of a calculated effort to harm her professional standing and pressure JPMorgan into a multimillion-dollar payout. The filing also stated that Hajdini “categorically and unequivocally” denies all allegations of unlawful conduct.

The dispute originated after Rana filed legal action under the pseudonym “John Doe,” accusing Hajdini of subjecting him to drugging, non-consensual sexual acts, and racist abuse during their time at the bank. The allegations triggered widespread scrutiny and internal investigations within JPMorgan. However, according to reports cited in the latest lawsuit, the bank’s internal review reportedly found no evidence supporting Rana’s claims. JPMorgan also alleged that Rana declined to fully cooperate with investigators or provide supporting evidence during the inquiry.

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Hajdini’s legal team further alleged that Rana had previously made similar accusations against a supervisor at another employer, suggesting a pattern of conduct aimed at obtaining financial settlements. The lawsuit also disputed claims that Hajdini exercised influence over Rana’s promotions or compensation at JPMorgan, citing internal human resources records indicating that the two employees reported to different managing directors within the organisation. A spokesperson for JPMorgan said the bank fully supported Hajdini and maintained that the allegations lacked merit.

The controversy deepened after reports emerged claiming that Rana had falsely informed JPMorgan that his father had died in order to obtain bereavement leave. Media reports later stated that Rana’s father was found alive at his residence in Virginia, further intensifying scrutiny around the former banker’s conduct. Reports also suggested that Rana had allegedly sought a settlement exceeding USD 20 million before eventually rejecting a reported USD 1 million offer and proceeding with legal action against the bank and Hajdini.

Rana previously worked at major financial institutions including Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse, and The Carlyle Group before most recently leaving investment firm Bregal Sagemount in April. Hajdini, meanwhile, is a long-serving JPMorgan executive and graduate of New York University Stern School of Business. The legal battle is expected to continue as both sides pursue competing claims in court, with the case drawing wider attention to workplace conduct disputes within the financial sector.

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