JPMorgan executive Lorna Hajdini has categorically denied allegations of turning a former colleague into a "sex slave," with her legal team describing the claims as "fabricated." The denials come after an internal investigation at the bank reportedly found no evidence to support the accusations.
An internal probe at JPMorgan Chase, examining phone records and emails, found no substantiation for the claims made in a lawsuit initially filed under the pseudonym "John Doe."
The individual behind the suit has been identified by multiple sources as Chirayu Rana, a 35-year-old former employee now working as a principal at investment firm Bregal Sagemount. Rana's legal filing, which accused Hajdini of sexual abuse and workplace intimidation, including claims of being drugged and coerced, was submitted on a Monday. Hajdini's lawyers have issued a strong rebuttal, stating she "never engaged in any inappropriate conduct with this individual of any kind" and has even "never even been to the location where the alleged sexual assault supposedly took place."
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Disputed Reporting Structure
Further complicating the narrative are reports indicating that Hajdini was not Rana's direct supervisor. Sources familiar with the situation suggest that while they were colleagues on the same team, Rana reported to a different managing director, Jon Wolter, while Hajdini reported to Brandon Graffeo. This detail, if accurate, raises questions about Hajdini's alleged ability to control Rana's compensation or career trajectory, a point included in the lawsuit.
The lawsuit, which also names JPMorgan Chase as a defendant, alleges retaliation and a failure by the bank to conduct a proper investigation. However, JPMorgan has officially stated its rejection of the allegations, asserting that "there is no merit to these claims." The bank also noted that the complainant, Rana, refused to participate in the internal investigation and declined to provide further facts.
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Rana’s legal team has withdrawn the initial court documents for "correction," with no trial date yet set. The fallout from these allegations continues to ripple through the financial industry.
Background of Individuals
Chirayu Rana’s career includes prior roles at prominent financial institutions such as Houlihan Lokey, Credit Suisse, TCG Capital Markets, Morgan Stanley, and The Carlyle Group before his tenure at JPMorgan. Lorna Hajdini, a graduate of NYU Stern School of Business, is described by associates as a "top performer" within JPMorgan Chase, where she serves as an Executive Director in the Leveraged Finance division. In her personal time, Hajdini volunteers for Minds Matter, a non-profit organization supporting underprivileged youth pursuing higher education.
