Chirayu Rana Sues JPMorgan Over Alleged Racism, S*xual Harassment and Family Leave Retaliation
Former JPMorgan vice president Chirayu Rana has filed a federal lawsuit alleging racism, s*xual harassment, s*xual assault, retaliation and family leave violations against the bank and senior executives. The complaint includes 21 claims under federal and New York laws. JPMorgan denies the allegations, saying its investigation found no merit to the claims.
Chirayu Rana, a former vice president on JPMorgan Chase Bank NA's leverage finance team, has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the bank and senior finance executives of racial discrimination, s*xual harassment, retaliation and violations of family leave protections. Rana's complaint, filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, includes 21 claims under federal and New York laws, alleging he was subjected to racial slurs, discrimination and repeated s*xual assault by a female senior executive.
The lawsuit also accuses JPMorgan of failing to investigate or address his complaints, interfering with his rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), retaliating after he reported the alleged misconduct and damaging his professional reputation after his departure. JPMorgan has denied the allegations, saying it found no merit to the claims following an internal investigation. Chirayu Rana Drops 'John Doe' Pseudonym in Legal Battle With JPMorgan in 'S*x Slave' Case.
Chirayu Rana Alleges Racism and Hostile Work Environment
According to the complaint, Rana was the only "non-white, non-Christian" member of the leverage finance team and was subjected to repeated racial discrimination in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The lawsuit alleges colleagues used racial slurs, including referring to him as a "monkey," and that the workplace fostered a hostile environment where discriminatory behaviour was tolerated. Chirayu Rana’s S*xual Harassment Lawsuit Against JPMorgan Boss Likely ‘Falling Apart,’ Say Legal Experts.
Rana's attorney, Jon Norinsberg, said in a statement: "This lawsuit seeks to hold the defendants accountable for fostering a workplace where blatant racism was tolerated and discrimination was ignored."
S*xual Harassment and Assault Allegations
Rana alleges that senior executive Lorna Hajdini repeatedly subjected him to s*xual harassment and assault. According to the complaint, Hajdini allegedly conditioned his career advancement on complying with her s*xual demands, threatened to damage his career if he refused and engaged in repeated unwanted s*xual contact, including groping and rape.
The lawsuit further alleges that she administered s*xual performance-enhancing drugs to him without his consent or knowledge. The complaint argues that JPMorgan is liable for the alleged conduct of its supervisors because it failed to investigate or take corrective action despite his complaints.
Claims Over Family Leave and Retaliation
Rana also alleges JPMorgan violated the Family and Medical Leave Act by failing to restore him to the same or an equivalent position after he took leave to care for his ill mother.
According to the lawsuit, the bank reduced his pay, revoked company access, required him to work from a New York office far from his mother's location and used his leave as a negative factor in employment decisions.
The complaint further alleges that after filing internal complaints and a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Rana faced retaliation, including reduced pay, indefinite involuntary leave and what he describes as a constructive dismissal.
The lawsuit also claims he received threatening messages after pursuing legal action, including a text warning him to "run before we call" US Immigration and Customs Enforcement "on your family."
Alleged Damage to Professional Reputation
Following his departure, Rana alleges executives engaged in a "campaign of disparagement and interference" by making false statements to his new employer and others within the finance industry.
The complaint says he was described as a "liar," a "moron," "lazy," and someone who "drank in excess," among other alleged remarks that harmed his professional reputation.
JPMorgan and Executive Respond
Responding to the lawsuit, a JPMorgan spokesperson said: "As we have stated from the beginning, following our investigation, we don't believe there's any merit to these claims."
Separately, an attorney from Morgan Lewis & Bockius representing Lorna Hajdini denied the allegations against her. The attorney described the claims as: "categorically false" and said Hajdini: "never had any s*xual or romantic relationship of any kind with this man."
Before filing the federal lawsuit, Rana had anonymously filed a case in New York state court accusing Hajdini of s*xual assault and harassment. That case was later withdrawn so it could be refiled in federal court. Hajdini has since filed a countersuit alleging defamation while denying all allegations made against her.
The case remains pending before the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, and the allegations contained in the complaint have not been proven in court.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2026 08:12 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).