‘I own you my little brown boy’: Inside the explosive lawsuit against JPMorgan’s Lorna Hajdini. Here’s everything you need to know about the case – WION

A disturbing sexual harassment lawsuit has emerged against Lorna Hajdini, with a junior employee accusing her of coercion, abuse of power, and repeated misconduct. Filed in the New York County Supreme Court on April 27, the complaint was initially brought anonymously by ‘John Doe’, who cited threats and reputational damage as reasons for withholding his identity.

According to the complaint, the alleged misconduct began in early 2024, soon after the two started working together. The plaintiff describes multiple instances of inappropriate behaviour. The complaint further alleges escalating advances and threats. After he declined an invitation for drinks, she allegedly said, “I own you.” The lawsuit includes severe allegations, including claims that Hajdini drugged the plaintiff on multiple occasions. He further alleged that she repeatedly used her position to intimidate him and threaten his career progression: “Do you think you’re going to be in good standing if you do not have me in your corner?”

Reports later identified the plaintiff as Chirayu Rana, a former JPMorgan employee now working at an investment firm. The lawsuit, initially reported in detail, was later withdrawn for ‘corrections’.

Hajdini has firmly rejected all accusations. Her legal team stated: “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.” Colleagues have also defended her, calling the claims a ‘complete fabrication’. JPMorgan Chase also pushed back after conducting an internal investigation, reviewing emails, phone records, and employee testimony. A spokesperson said, “Following an investigation, we don’t believe there’s any merit to these claims.” The bank added that the complainant declined to participate in the investigation.

New details reported by The New York Post suggest that Hajdini was not Rana’s direct supervisor, despite claims that she influenced aspects of his career progression. Sources familiar with the matter said Hajdini reported to managing director Brandon Graffeo, while Rana worked under a different managing director, Jon Wolter. According to those sources, this reporting structure meant Hajdini would not have had control over Rana’s annual compensation or bonuses.

According to her LinkedIn profile, she graduated from NYU Stern School of Business and joined JPMorgan in 2011. Hajdini also completed the Private Equity and Venture Capital programme at Harvard Business School Executive Education, according to the university’s website. She started her career as an analyst and was promoted to vice president in Leveraged Finance by 2018. In 2021, she became an executive director and has held the position since. Her LinkedIn profile also indicates she is a wine enthusiast, holding a Level 2 wine certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.