JPMorgan Offered $1 Million To Settle Lorna Hajdini Case. Here's What Happened Next

Last Updated:May 07, 2026, 18:46 IST

JPMorgan offered Chirayu Rana $1 million to settle claims against executive Lorna Hajdini, Rana refused, went public with sexual assault and racial harassment allegations.

JPMorgan Chase offered a $1 million settlement to former banker Chirayu Rana in an attempt to resolve allegations against senior executive Lorna Hajdini, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

Rana, however, rejected the payout and later took his allegations public, accusing Hajdini of sexual assault and racial harassment.

The bank has strongly denied the claims, stating that an internal investigation found no evidence to support the allegations. It also said the proposed settlement was intended to avoid prolonged litigation and to protect Hajdini from reputational harm.

“While we cannot comment on confidential discussions, we did try to reach an agreement to avoid the time and expense of litigation and to support an employee who was being threatened with the very reputational harm now unfolding," a JPMorgan spokesperson said.

The bank added that it continues to believe the allegations “have no merit," and that new details in the public filing reinforce its position.

Rana’s lawyer, Daniel Kaiser, questioned why such a large settlement was offered if the allegations were unfounded.

“In my 30-plus year career as an employment litigator, I have never had an employer defendant make such a substantial offer if they truly believed the allegations to be a ‘complete fabrication,’" Kaiser said.

Earlier this week, the lawsuit was refiled with additional claims and witness accounts.

One new testimony, from a family friend of Rana, alleges that Hajdini behaved inappropriately during a gathering at a New York City apartment, where she was allegedly intoxicated and invited others to join a sexual encounter. The witness claimed Hajdini pressured him to participate despite repeated refusals.

Another statement, reportedly from the apartment owner, alleges witnessing Hajdini engaging in intimate behaviour with Rana in public and making racially charged remarks.

The case has drawn attention due to the seriousness of the allegations and the involvement of a senior executive at one of the world’s largest financial institutions.

JPMorgan has reiterated that it stands by its findings and will contest the claims, as the legal battle is expected to unfold in the coming months.

News world JPMorgan Offered $1 Million To Settle Lorna Hajdini Case. Here's What Happened Next

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