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The “sex slave” allegations involving JPMorgan Chase executive Lorna Hajdini and former banker Chirayu Rana have entered another stage as Hajdini renews her countersuit, accusing Rana of fabricating his claims and using them to pursue millions of dollars from her and the financial giant. Rana, meanwhile, continues to stand by his allegations of sexual coercion, harassment and racial mistreatment, meaning the dispute remains a fiercely contested legal matter rather than a settled finding of wrongdoing.

Lorna Hajdini Says Allegations Were Fabricated

Hajdini, an executive director at JPMorgan Chase, filed a new pleading in Manhattan federal court asserting that Rana engaged in what she described as a “deliberate and sustained scheme” to portray her as a racist sexual predator and criminal.

According to Hajdini's filing, Rana's accusations are false and were designed to damage her reputation while creating pressure for a substantial financial settlement. She is seeking unspecified damages for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and other alleged civil wrongs.

Hajdini also says the controversy has had serious personal consequences. She claims the accusations caused severe anxiety, panic and fear and contributed to her withdrawing from personal relationships.

The countersuit represents Hajdini's response to a lawsuit that generated considerable attention after Rana made graphic allegations concerning their workplace relationship.

Chirayu Rana Maintains His Sex Slave Accusations

Rana has maintained that Hajdini used her position and influence at JPMorgan to coerce him into sexual activity and demand submissiveness as a condition connected to his career.

His allegations have included claims of unwanted sexual contact, threats to damage his professional future and other forms of coercion. Rana has also alleged racial harassment during his time at JPMorgan and has accused the bank of failing to adequately address the conduct he says he experienced.

Rana's attorney, Jon Norinsberg, has categorically rejected Hajdini's counterclaims. He has characterized the countersuit as retaliatory and argued that it represents an attempt to intimidate Rana after he brought forward his allegations.

Norinsberg has said that Rana stands by his original claims and intends to defend against Hajdini's allegations in court.

The competing accounts underscore an important distinction in the case: allegations contained in civil complaints are claims made by the parties and are not, by themselves, judicial findings that the alleged conduct occurred.

JPMorgan Also Denies the Most Serious Claims

JPMorgan Chase has also become a central part of the dispute because Rana has named the bank in his litigation.

The financial institution has rejected the most explosive allegations and previously stated that it supports Hajdini's right to defend her reputation. A JPMorgan spokesperson declined to provide an extensive new response to the latest filing, saying the company would allow the court filings to speak for themselves.

The bank has maintained that it does not believe the allegations against Hajdini or JPMorgan have merit.

Rana's lawsuit, meanwhile, has expanded beyond allegations involving Hajdini to include claims concerning workplace treatment, racial discrimination and the bank's handling of his complaints.

Earlier Sex Slave Allegations Cited in Hajdini's Countersuit

Hajdini's earlier counterclaims also raised allegations concerning Rana's employment history.

She alleged that Rana previously made accusations involving a male supervisor at Morgan Stanley, including claims of harassment, drugging and rape. Hajdini presented those allegations as part of what she characterized as a broader pattern of false accusations made for personal gain.

She also alleged that Rana falsely told JPMorgan that his father had died when, according to her filing, his father was still alive.

Rana's attorney strongly disputed those assertions, calling them an attempt to smear his client and divert attention from the allegations against Hajdini and JPMorgan.

The claims concerning Rana's previous employment and his father are themselves allegations in Hajdini's litigation and remain disputed.

Case Continues in Federal Court

The legal battle has undergone several procedural changes since Rana's original lawsuit was filed. A New York state judge dismissed Rana's initial state-court lawsuit in July at his request, while Hajdini's defamation countersuit was not eliminated by that dismissal. Rana subsequently pursued his claims in federal court.

The latest federal litigation leaves both sides facing significant legal disputes. Hajdini is seeking damages over what she describes as false and damaging accusations.  Rana continues to pursue claims concerning alleged sexual coercion, racial discrimination and workplace retaliation.

For now, neither side has obtained a final judicial determination establishing the truth of the competing factual narratives. The case will therefore continue to be shaped by court filings, evidence and arguments presented by the parties.

Related Links and USA Herald Coverage

New York Post reporting on the renewed countersuit; Reuters reporting on the latest federal filing; the original court complaint filed by Rana; and related coverage of the earlier countersuit.

• New York Post — JPMorgan Chase exec renews countersuit
• Reuters — JPMorgan banker renews defamation countersuit
• Original Rana complaint filed in New York court
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