New York: A senior executive at JPMorgan Chase has been accused of sexual abuse, racial harassment and professional coercion by a junior male colleague in a lawsuit filed in the New York County Supreme Court.
The complaint names Lorna Hajdini, an Executive Director in the firm’s Leveraged Finance division, and alleges a pattern of misconduct involving non-consensual acts, threats to career progression, and racially offensive remarks. The plaintiff, identified as “John Doe”, has accused Hajdini of exploiting her position of authority over him.
Allegations of Harassment and Coercion
According to the lawsuit, the alleged misconduct began in early 2024 after the two started working together. The complaint details multiple incidents of inappropriate behaviour, including physical advances at the workplace and sexually explicit remarks.
The plaintiff claims that when he resisted her advances, Hajdini allegedly threatened his career, warning him of professional consequences if he did not comply. The lawsuit further alleges that repeated pressure created a hostile work environment, forcing him into situations against his will.
Serious Claims of Drugging and Assault
The filing also includes grave allegations that Hajdini administered substances without consent and coerced the plaintiff into sexual encounters. The complaint describes these incidents as non-consensual and says they caused severe emotional distress.
In one instance, the plaintiff claims a witness overheard his objections during an encounter, lending weight to his version of events.
Racial Abuse Alleged in Complaint
The lawsuit further accuses Hajdini of making racially offensive remarks, including referring to the plaintiff as a “Brown boy Indian” and making derogatory comments about his background and family.
The complaint argues that such remarks, combined with alleged coercion, created an abusive and discriminatory workplace environment.
Company Response and Internal Probe
JPMorgan Chase has denied the allegations. In a statement, a spokesperson said that an internal investigation found no evidence to substantiate the claims.
The bank also stated that while employees cooperated with the inquiry, the complainant did not participate fully or provide sufficient supporting information.
Legal Action and Damages Sought
The plaintiff has sought damages for lost earnings, emotional distress, and reputational harm, along with punitive damages. His legal counsel, Daniel J Kaiser, said the alleged incidents have had a devastating impact on his client’s personal and professional life.
The lawsuit also calls for changes in workplace practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Who Is Lorna Hajdini?
According to publicly available information, Hajdini is a long-time employee of JPMorgan, with nearly 15 years of experience. She holds a degree in Finance and Statistics from NYU Stern School of Business and has worked across sectors including consumer, healthcare, logistics and aerospace finance.
Case Status
The case is currently under legal consideration, and the allegations remain unproven. Further proceedings will determine the outcome based on evidence presented in court.