Lorna Hajdini, a JPMorgan Chase investment banker, has countersued her former colleague Chirayu Rana, alleging that his sexual assault accusations against her are fabricated and malicious. In legal papers filed on Tuesday night in a New York state court in Manhattan, Hajdini claims Rana's allegations have destroyed her reputation and caused significant personal distress.
The countersuit describes Rana's accusations as false and made in bad faith, intended to attract press coverage and extract financial compensation from both Hajdini and JPMorgan. Hajdini states she has been subjected to online ridicule and harassment as a direct result of Rana's claims.
Hajdini is seeking unspecified damages for defamation and emotional distress. Rana's lawyers have not yet responded to requests for comment. JPMorgan has expressed support for Hajdini, stating they do not believe the allegations against her or the firm have merit.
Rana originally filed his complaint on 27 April, accusing Hajdini of coercing him into non-consensual sexual activity and using racially derogatory language. He sued under a pseudonym but has since been publicly identified. Hajdini denies all allegations, including that she was his supervisor or used racial epithets.
