JPMorgan executive sues ex-banker over ‘sex slave’ allegations
JPMorgan executive director Lorna Hajdini has the full backing of her employer in her decision to sue a former banker who claims she used him as a 'sex slave'.
Hajdini filed a countersuit against her ex colleague Chirayu Rana and have accused the 35-year-old of making accusations that damaged her reputation, such as 'lies she was a racist, sexual predator', The New York Post reports.
It comes after a court representative told PEOPLE on 1 May that Rana's complaint had been 'returned for correction' before it was publicly available again.
The countersuit, seen by The Post, reads: “Ms Hajdini categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of unlawful conduct.
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“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 37-year-old's lawyers claim Rana, who allegedly once lied about his dad dying to get bereavement leave, 'made up eerily similar fabricated allegations of sexual misconduct against a supervisor at a prior place of employment'.
“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 suit continues.
The complaint accuses Rana 'of a months-long campaign to smear Ms Hajdini in the workplace, to third parties, the press, and now this court with fabricated assertions'.
Insiders claim that Rana turned down the bank's $1 million settlement because he was holding out for 'north of $20 million' prior to launching legal action.
JPMorgan also said their internal investigation found zero evidence to support Rana’s claims.
A spokesman told the outlet: “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.”
However, Rana’s lawyer Daniel Kaiser told Reuters that in his '30-plus year career as an employment litigator I have never had employer defendant make such a substantial offer if they truly believed the allegations to be a 'complete fabrication'."
While Elizabeth Lampert, who advises businesses on public relations, said to Reuters that settling is often done to avoid what they would consider to be unnecessary coverage.
“For a major player like JPMorgan Chase, even unproven allegations can create risk,” she said.
JPMorgan told the outlet they now 'will not be making any offer to settle the case'.
LADbible Group has contacted Chirayu Rana's lawyer Daniel Kaiser and JPMorgan Chase for comment.
Topics: US News
Anish Vij