JPMorgan Chase executive Lorna Hajdini has sued former banker Chirayu Rana for defamation, accusing him of fabricating allegations that she used and abused him as a sex slave, the New York Post reported.
Hajdini filed the lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court on Tuesday, alleging Rana orchestrated a months-long smear campaign that severely damaged her reputation and career after his allegations surfaced publicly last month. "Ms Hajdini categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of unlawful conduct," the filing said, according to the New York Post.
The suit described the allegations as entirely false, malicious and fabricated, and claimed they were designed for personal enrichment at the expense of defendants and others.
Her lawyers further accused Rana of attempting to destroy her reputation for leverage to extort millions of dollars from both Hajdini and JPMorgan. The filing also alleged that Rana had made similar sexual harassment accusations against a supervisor at a previous employer.
“Ms Hajdini seeks to vindicate her name, mitigate the substantial damage inflicted upon her, and hold (the) plaintiff accountable for his depraved and unlawful conduct,” the lawsuit stated.
A JPMorgan spokesperson told the ;: “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.”
Rana had earlier sued Hajdini under the pseudonym “John Doe,” alleging the JPMorgan executive drugged him, subjected him to non-consensual sexual acts, and used racist slurs against him.
According to the report, JPMorgan's internal investigation found no evidence supporting Rana's allegations. The bank also claimed Rana declined to participate in the probe or provide supporting evidence.
The New York Post further reported that Rana had allegedly sought a settlement exceeding $20 million before leaving the bank, but later rejected a reported $1 million offer before initiating legal action.
Hajdini's legal team also disputed several aspects of Rana's allegations, including claims that she had influence over his compensation or promotion. Internal HR documents reportedly showed the two employees reported to different managing directors.
ALSO READ: JPMorgan Chase Offered $1M Settlement Prior To Chirayu Rana's Viral Sexual Assault Allegations
The controversy intensified after the New York Post reported that Rana had falsely informed JPMorgan that his father had died in order to obtain bereavement leave. The publication later stated that Rana's father was found alive at his residence in Virginia.
Rana, who previously worked at firms including Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse and The Carlyle Group, most recently left investment firm Bregal Sagemount in April.
Hajdini, a 15-year veteran at JPMorgan Chase and graduate of New York University Stern School of Business, has continued working through the controversy, according to the report.
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