JPMorgan banker fights back with countersuit in viral case

A legal battle involving JPMorgan Chase intensified after investment banker Lorna Hajdini filed a countersuit against former colleague Chirayu Rana in a New York court.

Hajdini accused Rana of spreading false allegations that she sexually assaulted and drugged him to gain media attention, damage her reputation, and pressure her and JPMorgan into paying millions of dollars. 

In court papers filed Tuesday, she said the claims “wreaked havoc” on her life, leading to online harassment, ridicule, and sexually degrading memes.

Allegations and denials
Rana’s April lawsuit accused Hajdini of using her seniority to coerce him into non-consensual sexual activity over several months and threatening his career—claims that quickly captured online attention. His complaint also alleged that she made racist comments.

Hajdini denied all accusations and said that she didn’t supervise Rana. She said she joined JPMorgan in 2011 and has never faced prior harassment or discrimination complaints.

JPMorgan back executive
JPMorgan, which is also named in Rana’s lawsuit, publicly supported Hajdini. The bank said it does not believe the allegations against her or the firm have merit. Reports also said the bank previously tried to settle Rana’s claims for $1 million before he filed suit.

The case gained major attention because men account for about 17% of workplace sexual-harassment claims filed with US regulators.