A lawsuit was filed in New York County Supreme Court on Monday (April 27), causing a stir in the corporate world. Lorna Hajdini, executive director of JPMorgan Chase’s leveraged finance division, has been accused of sexual harassment, racial abuse and threatening to ruin her professional career by a junior male colleague.
In legal documents, the victim has been named ‘John Doe’ to protect his identity.
According to the lawsuit, Lorna Hajdini abused the victim multiple times. Hajdini referred to the married victim as a ‘brown boy Indian’. It is alleged that Hajdini gave the victim ‘Rohypnol’, commonly known as a ‘date-rape drug’, in order to have sex. Besides, stimulant drugs were also given forcibly. When the victim denied non-consensual and humiliating sexual acts, Hajdini threatened to lose his job and promotion.
Start of persecution- 2024)
According to the Daily Mail report, the sexual misconduct began in 2024 (around March-May) when the two started working together. One day Hajdini deliberately dropped his pen near the victim’s desk. Pretending to pick up a pen, he caressed the victim’s leg and said, “Oh, did you play basketball in college? I love basketball players, they excite me a lot.”
When Hajdini invited the victim for drinks and he declined, Hajdini openly threatened him. She said- If you don’t have sex with me soon, I will ruin you, never forget, you are my slave.
In September 2024, Hajdini questioned the victim’s sexuality as well as his professional competence, saying: Why do you think management would let a ‘brown boy Indian’ lead Origin? If you don’t have sex with me tonight, I will stop your promotion.
Due to fear and pressure, the victim had to bow down, although his initial protest sounds were also heard by a witness staying in the next room.
Took off my pants and had oral sex with her
The lawsuit mentions another chilling incident when Hajdini suddenly arrived at the victim’s apartment. There he removed his shirt and made racial remarks about the victim’s wife, saying – I am sure that your little ‘Asian, fish head’ wife will not have a body like mine.
It is alleged that after this he forcibly removed the victim’s pants and had oral sex with her. When the victim started crying, Hajdini scolded him severely, saying: Stop crying. Do you think anyone will believe what you say? You’re a cheapskate who thinks he’s great but can’t even get aroused for me?
Company and accused’s side
Hajdini, in a statement given to ‘The New York Post’ through his lawyers, has vehemently denied all these allegations. She says she never had any inappropriate behavior with John Doe and never went to the scene where the alleged sexual assault took place.
JP Morgan (JPMC) reaction
In May 2025, the victim ‘John Doe’ submitted a written complaint to JPMorgan alleging race, gender-based discrimination, harassment and ‘severe sexual harassment’. However, the bank rejected his claims. A JPMC spokesperson said: After investigation, we found no truth in these claims. While several employees cooperated in the investigation, the complainant (victim) refused to participate and refused to provide facts that were central to her allegations.
Current status and legal action
According to the victim’s lawyer, Daniel J Kaiser, the entire incident has left his client completely devastated both personally and professionally. While Lorna Hajdini is still employed at the same company, the victim has been unable to find another job. The lawyer said his client is seeking compensation for loss of income, emotional distress and damage to reputation. Along with this, a request has also been made for change in the policies of the bank.
Who is Lorna Hajdini?
According to her LinkedIn profile: Lorna, 37, has been working at JPMorgan for almost 15 years and is currently an executive director in the leveraged finance division. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Statistics from NYU Stern School of Business and also completed the Private Equity and Venture Capital program at Harvard Business School. Before JPMorgan, he also interned at Glazer Capital Management and Tudor Investment Corporation. In his previous tenure as Vice President, he has experience of working in major sectors like consumer, retail, pharma and aerospace.