Two new witnesses have come forward to testify in a high-profile sexual harassment lawsuit involving JPMorgan Chase & Co.Two people have revealed new details about an alleged incident at a New York apartment, the Daily Mail reports.The case centers on allegations by former banker Chirayu Rana, who accused senior executive Lorna Hajdini of forcing him to have sex with her, among other forms of abuse and coercion. Now, newly filed sworn statements from two unnamed witnesses back up Rana’s claims, although JPMorgan itself and several associates have denied the allegations.
First witness: “She asked me to go to the bedroom”
A witness described a disturbing late-night encounter in September 2024. According to the documents, they were staying at Rana’s apartment when they were awakened by a woman who was “visibly drunk and talking loudly.” Witnesses said Rana later identified the woman as Hajdini.“Shortly afterwards, I was woken up by Ms. Hajdini, who was completely naked,” the witness said.They added: “Ms Hajdini sat on the sofa and lit a cigarette. She then asked me to go with her to the bedroom to ‘join them’. I told her no. She said, ‘Come on, come on’. I told her no again.”Witnesses later revealed the chilling comments allegedly made by Al-Hajdini. “You know, I have [Rana]so you better come too,” she allegedly told the witness, who again refused.Witnesses said Hajdini returned to the bedroom where they heard Rana “loudly pleading” with her to “stop and leave.”The witness added: “Everything became quiet. Then, after a while, [Ms Hajdini] He came out of the bedroom and left the apartment. “
Second witness: ‘Women at work make my life hell’
Another witness said Rana told him months ago that a woman at work was making his life “hell.”The witness later claimed to have seen Hajdini interact with Rana in an inappropriate manner, including kissing his neck and grabbing him when he appeared uncomfortable.
What is the content of the lawsuit?
The new accusations from two witnesses come as Rana is seeking damages for emotional distress, lost earnings and reputational damage. His lawyer said he had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the alleged abuse.Rana’s account is very detailed. He claimed that Hajdini forced him to perform “non-consensual and humiliating sexual acts” over several months, sometimes after giving him Viagra. He also claimed she threatened to destroy his career if he refused her sexual advances.In one alleged exchange, she told him, “If you don’t fuck me soon, I’m going to destroy you… Never forget, I fucking own you.”Other remarks cited in the lawsuit include sexually explicit comments and racial slurs, including Alhajdini calling Rana a “brown boy.”Al-Hajdini has denied all accusations. Through her lawyer, she said she “never engaged in any inappropriate behavior with this person and never even visited the location where the sexual assault allegedly occurred.”JPMorgan Chase also rejected the claims, saying an internal investigation found no evidence to support them. A spokesman for the company said Rana “refuses to participate or provide the core facts supporting his allegations.”The bank is also accused in the lawsuit of failing to act on Rana’s complaints and retaliating against him, placing him on leave and damaging his professional reputation. JPMorgan Chase also denied the accusations.The case sparked controversy, in part because of the graphic nature of the claims and the lack of documentary evidence such as messages or emails. Some colleagues defended Al-Hajdini, calling the lawsuit “a complete fabrication.”Additionally, Hajdini and Rana worked under different managers on the same team, and Hajdini had no influence over the salary or evaluation Rana might receive, based on the job structure.Rana’s legal team insists the case is true. His lawyers said the abuse was “horrendous” and they looked forward to presenting evidence, including witness statements, in court.