The former JPMorgan banker, Chirayu Rana, has refiled a lawsuit accusing executive Lorna Hajdini of inappropriate conduct, including suggestive remarks and racial comments. The case includes anonymous witness statements and claims of workplace pressure.
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What new claims have been added to the lawsuit?
The lawsuit filed by former JPMorgan banker Chirayu Rana has resurfaced in Manhattan Supreme Court, bringing with it a new wave of allegations against executive Lorna Hajdini. The case, which had briefly been withdrawn after its initial filing, is now back on the docket, with additional claims and supporting statements included in the updated complaint, according to reports from Newsweek, The Post and TMZ.
The refiled lawsuit centers on allegations of inappropriate workplace conduct, including suggestive remarks, alleged threats, and claims of racially charged language. Chirayu Rana, who is proceeding anonymously in some parts of the filing, argues that the events described have had a lasting impact on his mental health.
The legal battle took a dramatic turn when former banker Chirayu Rana submitted what he described as new evidence supporting his claims against executive Lorna Hajdini. The lawsuit, which had been briefly withdrawn, reappeared in Manhattan Supreme Court with added witness statements and detailed allegations.
The lawsuit also revisits earlier claims outlined in documents obtained by TMZ, which describe a series of interactions beginning in May 2024. According to the complaint, Rana alleges that early conversations with his supervisor included remarks he considered suggestive, with the situation escalating over time.
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Among the claims are accounts of alleged inappropriate conduct dating back to May 2024. According to the filing, one exchange began with a seemingly casual invitation that quickly took an uncomfortable tone. The complaint, identified as John Doe, states Hajdini allegedly said, “Come with me … I don’t like the rain, but I do like…”
According to a report by TMZ, he asserts that this was not the first instance of her using a “wet” reference to him. He alleges that the harassment began when they began working together earlier that month, and Hajdini made her first move toward him.
Among the new details are anonymous witness statements that describe alleged encounters involving Hajdini in September 2024. One such statement references a claim from an unnamed individual who said he had been invited to a private meeting involving both parties, as per the New York Post.
Another affirmation, reportedly from a person connected to an apartment where interactions allegedly took place, claims to have witnessed behaviour between the two outside the building during the summer of 2024. The same individual also recalled overhearing a comment attributed to Hajdini while the pair entered the building.
Newly filed anonymous statements add another layer to the case. One witness claims to have seen Hajdini kissing Rana’s neck in public, while another described overhearing a troubling comment as the pair entered an apartment building, reported the New York Post.
According to the filing, Hajdini allegedly said, “I own you, Brownie.”
Another anonymous account also references an alleged invitation involving a third party, though details remain limited, as per a report by the New York Post.
These statements, signed months earlier, are now being used to support the broader narrative presented in the lawsuit.
He claims that after declining social invitations, the tone of communication shifted, with alleged warnings about professional consequences if he did not comply with certain expectations. The filing describes a workplace environment that became increasingly uncomfortable, with repeated comments and implications tied to career progression.
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How did the situation allegedly escalate?
The lawsuit describes a progression from alleged inappropriate remarks to claims of pressure and threats tied to career advancement. According to the filing, Doe alleges Hajdini threatened him to engage in sexual act, saying, “I’m going to ruin you … Never forget, I f**ing own you.”
He also alleges that workplace comments included explicit suggestions tied to professional growth, along with statements implying control over his future at the firm, as quoted in a report by TMZ.
Besides, the lawsuit raises claims of racially charged remarks, including allegations that leadership wanted to keep the firm “strong and white,” and questioning whether someone of South Asian descent would be allowed to lead deals.
The filing further claims that after raising concerns, the employee received a threatening message suggesting he was unwelcome because of his background, as quoted in a report by TMZ.
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How has JPMorgan responded to the allegations?
JPMorgan has strongly denied the claims, stating that an internal investigation found no evidence to support the accusations. According to The Post, the bank reviewed emails, records, and devices as part of its inquiry and concluded there was no wrongdoing.
The company also stated that Hajdini fully cooperated with the investigation, while Rana did not. Legal representatives for Hajdini have also rejected the allegations, maintaining that she “categorically denies the allegations” and had no involvement in the incidents described.
Further complicating the situation are separate reports from The Post suggesting that Rana may have misrepresented personal circumstances to the bank in order to take leave. According to those reports, he allegedly claimed a family bereavement that was later disputed, though this remains a separate issue from the central allegations in the lawsuit.
What do witness statements reveal about the case?
The case includes multiple affirmations signed in July, which attempt to support the timeline and claims presented in the lawsuit. These statements describe interactions between the two individuals and provide additional context to the allegations.
A letter from a psychotherapist referenced in the filing claims to support that diagnosis, citing statements where Rana said he had “not slept in weeks” and was “unable to eat,” adding that he heard Hajdini’s voice in his head and “feared for my own safety.”
The filing also includes a statement from Rana himself, in which he requests anonymity due to the psychological toll of the alleged events. Supporting documents include a letter from an executive psychotherapist, Johnathan Alpert, who states that Rana has been diagnosed with PTSD.
Rana also references communications in which he described experiencing distress, including difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and concerns for his safety and that of his family.
A case marked by sharp disagreement
The lawsuit highlights a stark divide between the claims made by Rana and the response from JPMorgan and Hajdini. While the filing presents a detailed account of alleged misconduct, the bank’s position remains firm that the allegations lack merit.
The reappearance of the case incourt filings ensures that it will continue to draw attention, particularly given the involvement of a major financial institution and the serious nature of the claims.
The matter remains unresolved, with both sides standing by their positions as the legal process moves forward.
FAQs:
What is the lawsuit about?
It involves allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior and racial comments made by a JPMorgan executive, which the company denies.
Has JPMorgan found evidence supporting the claims?
No, the bank says its internal investigation found no proof of wrongdoing.
