Chirayu Rana vs Lorna Hajdini: JPMorgan ‘S*x Slave’ Lawsuit Takes Fresh Turn As Rana Seeks To Refile in Federal Court

The high-profile lawsuit filed by former JPMorgan employee Chirayu Rana has taken another turn, with Rana seeking to withdraw his case from the Manhattan Supreme Court and refile it in federal court. The request has been strongly opposed by lawyers representing fellow JPMorgan employee Lorna Hajdini, who argue that Rana is attempting to engage in "forum shopping" by seeking a more favourable venue.

The case stems from Rana's allegations that Hajdini subjected him to abuse and treated him as a "s*x slave." Hajdini and JPMorgan have denied the allegations.

Why Does Chirayu Rana Want to Move the Case?

Rana's previous attorney withdrew from the case, leaving him briefly to represent himself. He has since retained new legal counsel, which has informed the court that it intends to discontinue the state court proceedings and pursue the matter in federal court. Lorna Hajdini Sued: JPMorgan Executive Accused of S*xual Assault, Drugging and Racial Abuse of Junior Employee; Bank Denies Claims.

Rana's attorney has denied accusations that the move amounts to forum shopping and said the complaint will be refiled under Rana's real name in federal court.

JPMorgan and Hajdini Oppose the Request

Attorneys representing Hajdini argued that Rana should not be allowed to abandon the state court case only to restart the litigation elsewhere. JPMorgan Executive Lorna Hajdini Sues Chirayu Rana for Defamation, Calls S*x Slave Claims ‘Fabricated for Extortion’.

In court filings, Hajdini's legal team said Rana is "not entitled to a do-over" simply because he has hired new lawyers. They urged the court to either require him to continue litigating in state court or prevent him from filing the same claims in another jurisdiction.

JPMorgan's lawyers have also asked the court to require Rana's former attorney to disclose any allegedly false evidence or statements submitted during the proceedings.

Background of the Lawsuit

Rana alleged that Hajdini, whom he identified as his superior, subjected him to coercive and abusive conduct while they worked at JPMorgan. The bank has denied those claims and stated that Hajdini was never Rana's manager.

The lawsuit has drawn significant attention because of the serious allegations and the bank's public rejection of Rana's version of events.

Fresh Exchange Between Legal Teams

Following Rana's request to move the case, Hajdini's attorneys said they had twice asked for a draft of the proposed federal complaint but were unsuccessful.

Rana's lawyer responded by accusing the defence of attempting to publicly discredit his client and dismissed allegations of forum shopping. The filing argued that such tactics are commonly used to undermine complainants while shifting attention away from the underlying allegations.

The court has yet to decide whether Rana will be permitted to withdraw the state court case and pursue his claims in federal court.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2026 08:22 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).