JPMorgan exec accused of keeping staffer as 'sex slave' files defamation lawsuit

A JPMorgan executive, accused by a former subordinate of keeping him as a “sex slave,” is now suing her accuser for defamation.

According to the New York Post, Lorna Hajdini filed suit on Tuesday in New York State Supreme Court against ex-banker Chirayu Rana, who made headlines last month after accusing the JPMorgan executive of drugging him, subjecting him to nonconsensual sex acts, and hurling racist insults at him in a lawsuit filed under the pseudonym “John Doe.”

Hajdini’s new filing claims the accusations were part of a calculated extortion campaign built on lies. “Ms Hajdini categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of unlawful conduct,” the countersuit states. “These allegations are entirely false, malicious, and fabricated, and were concocted for the improper purpose of personal enrichment at the expense of defendants and others.”

The lawsuit alleges Rana spent months attempting to destroy Hajdini’s professional reputation through accusations circulated internally, to the press, and eventually through litigation. Her attorneys accused Rana of “peddling his lies that Ms. Hajdini was a racist, sexual predator,” adding that the alleged goal was “to destroy her reputation for leverage to extort millions of dollars” from both Hajdini and JPMorgan.

The filing also claims Rana made similar allegations against a supervisor at a previous employer. “Plaintiff made up eerily similar fabricated allegations of sexual misconduct against a supervisor at a prior place of employment,” the lawsuit states.

JPMorgan has publicly backed Hajdini. “We fully support Lorna and her right to defend herself and protect her reputation. As we have said from the outset, we don’t believe the allegations against her or the firm have merit,” a spokesperson for the bank told the outlet.

Rana’s original complaint accused Hajdini of coercive sexual conduct, racial abuse, and workplace intimidation. One of the claims alleged that Hajdini threatened to reduce his compensation unless he complied with her sexual demands. But internal HR documents reportedly reviewed by the Post indicated Hajdini had no authority over Rana’s bonuses or promotion opportunities, with the two employees reporting to different managing directors.

JPMorgan’s internal investigation also reportedly found no evidence supporting Rana’s allegations. According to reports, multiple employees cooperated with investigators while Rana himself declined to participate or provide supporting evidence.

Reports emerged that Rana had also falsely claimed his father died in order to obtain bereavement leave while employed at the bank, but his father was reportedly found alive and living in Virginia. Additional reports cited chatbot transcripts allegedly linked to Rana discussing a prior workplace incident at Morgan Stanley years earlier involving a male supervisor.

Rana’s career in finance included stints at firms including Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, Carlyle Group, Houlihan Lokey, and Apollo-affiliated MidCap Financial before joining JPMorgan in 2024. He later moved to investment firm Bregal Sagemount, where he reportedly departed earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Hajdini has remained at JPMorgan throughout the controversy. The 15-year company veteran is an NYU Stern graduate known internally as a respected finance executive who also volunteers with nonprofits helping underprivileged students pursue college opportunities.