A senior executive at JPMorgan Chase has been sued in New York by a former colleague who alleges months of sexual abuse, racial harassment, and intimidation at the workplace.
The lawsuit, filed in the New York County Supreme Court, names Lorna Hajdini, an executive director at the bank, as the defendant. The complainant, identified as “John Doe,” is described as an Asian banker who worked in the leveraged finance division.
According to the complaint, the alleged misconduct began in early 2024 after the two started working together, with Doe claiming Hajdini used her senior position to pressure him into unwanted sexual encounters.
Allegations of coercion linked to career advancement
Doe alleges that Hajdini repeatedly linked his professional growth to his compliance with her demands.
In one instance, he claims she told him, “If you don’t… soon, I’m going to ruin you… never forget, I own you,” after he declined her advances.
The lawsuit also claims she made inappropriate remarks tied to his ethnicity and suggested that his promotion prospects depended on satisfying her.
During a work-related event, she allegedly told him he would need to “earn” his career growth while engaging in unwanted physical contact.
Claims of sexual assault and racial abuse
The complaint states that the harassment escalated into sexual assault, with Doe alleging that he was forced into non-consensual acts despite repeated objections.
He claims that during one encounter, he pleaded for her to stop, saying he was uncomfortable, but she continued and mocked him.
The lawsuit also includes allegations of racial slurs directed at him and derogatory remarks about his wife.
In one instance, he claims she said, “You think anyone would ever believe you?” while dismissing his resistance.
Allegations of drugging and surveillance
Doe further alleges that Hajdini admitted to drugging him using substances including Rohypnol before certain encounters.
The complaint also accuses her of accessing his bank account without permission to monitor his movements.
Two witnesses are cited in the lawsuit as supporting parts of his account, including hearing his protests during one alleged incident.
Retaliation claims after complaint
According to the lawsuit, Doe reported the alleged abuse internally in May 2025.
He claims that soon after filing the complaint, he faced retaliation, including loss of system access, reprimands, and being placed on involuntary leave.
He also alleges receiving threatening calls, including warnings referencing his ethnicity and immigration status.
His lawyer, Daniel J. Kaiser, described the allegations as “horrendous” and said his client has suffered emotional trauma and professional setbacks, including a diagnosis of PTSD.
JPMorgan denies allegations
JPMorgan Chase has denied the claims, stating that an internal investigation found no evidence to support the allegations.
A company spokesperson said, “Following an investigation, we don’t believe there’s any merit to these claims.”
The bank also stated that while multiple employees cooperated, the complainant did not participate in the internal probe or provide supporting details.
