JPMorgan's $1M Settlement Offer Sparks Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Banker Lorna Hajdini After Daily Mail Report

JPMorgan reportedly attempted to contain explosive allegations by offering a $1 million settlement to former investment banker Chirayu Rana before his lawsuit against the bank's vice president Lorna Hajdini became public, according to a Wall Street Journal investigation.

The lawsuit, refiled Monday after a procedural delay, alleges sexual assault, harassment, and racial discrimination against Hajdini. The case drew widespread attention after the Daily Mail published its report, prompting a surge in views on Rana's Bloomberg profile. JPMorgan's internal investigation, cited by sources in a New York Post report, found no evidence of wrongdoing, while Hajdini's attorney rejected the claims. Rana's lawyer, David Kramer, clarified that the original filing was not withdrawn but rather held pending judicial review and pseudonym approval—a procedural step required before formally filing under a protected identity.

The case underscores how major financial institutions navigate misconduct allegations internally, often before public exposure. JPMorgan faces scrutiny over its pre-litigation settlement approach, which critics argue can suppress victims' voices. The Wall Street Journal's reporting on the $1 million offer signals that the bank attempted to resolve the matter discreetly, a tactic that has drawn criticism in broader conversations about institutional accountability. Hajdini, a managing director in investment banking, now faces reputational pressure as the litigation progresses through the court system.