JPMorgan declares Lorna Hajdini allegations ‘complete fabrication’, as 'John Doe' identified

JPMorgan has rejected allegations made in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against executive director Lorna Hajdini, stating that an internal investigation found no evidence to support the claims.

The case emerged earlier this week after a former JPMorgan employee, who sources identified as Chirayu Rana, filed a lawsuit under the pseudonym John Doe.

The complaint accused Hajdini, 37, of sexual coercion, abuse of power and retaliation while both worked within JPMorgan’s leveraged finance division.

Rana, now a principal at investment firm Bregal Sagemount, alleged that the conduct began shortly after he joined the bank’s team in spring 2024.

The lawsuit also named JPMorgan Chase as a defendant, claiming the bank failed to properly investigate the matter and retaliated against him.

Hajdini has denied the allegations through her legal representatives. In a statement, her lawyers said, “Lorna categorically denies the allegations. She never engaged in any inappropriate conduct with this individual of any kind and has never even been to the location where the alleged sexual assault supposedly took place.”

JPMorgan also challenged the claims, citing findings from an internal review conducted by its human resources and legal departments. A spokesperson for the bank said, “Following an investigation, we don’t believe there’s any merit to these claims.”

The spokesperson added, “While numerous employees cooperated with the investigation, the complainant refused to participate and has declined to provide facts that would be central to support his allegations.”

People close to the case have reported that Rana and Hajdini worked as colleagues but reported to different managing directors, meaning Hajdini had no authority over his compensation.

The court filing cited in reports was later withdrawn for corrections. No trial date has been set.

The lawsuit remains active, and the claims have not been tested in court. Both Hajdini and JPMorgan continue to dispute the allegations.