Full Breakdown
JPMorgan Executive Lorna Hajdini Sued Over Alleged Sexual, Racial and Drug-Related Abuse
5/1/2026, 8:44:47 PM
Allegations and Lawsuit Against JPMorgan Executive Lorna Hajdini
A civil complaint filed in New York County Supreme Court on April 27 2026 accuses Lorna Hajdini, executive director of JPMorgan Chase’s Leveraged Finance division, of a “months-long campaign of sexual assault, racial harassment and workplace intimidation” against a junior male banker identified only as “John Doe.” The plaintiff alleges repeated non-consensual sexual acts, threats to his career, and the administration of Rohypnol (“roofies”) and an erection-enhancing drug. JPMorgan Chase is named as a co-defendant for allegedly enabling the conduct and retaliating after the employee reported it.
Executive Background and Role at JPMorgan
Hajdini, 37, has been with JPMorgan since 2011, rising to vice-president in 2018 and to executive director in Leveraged Finance in 2021. Her responsibilities include advising on complex financing deals for technology, retail, pharmaceutical and logistics clients. She holds a B.S. in Finance and Statistics from NYU Stern and completed executive education at Harvard Business School.
Principal Parties
- Lorna Hajdini – JPMorgan executive director, defendant.
- John Doe – Former senior-vice-president/director, plaintiff (anonymous for safety).
- JPMorgan Chase – Employer, co-defendant.
- Daniel J. Kaiser – Attorney for John Doe.
- JPMorgan spokesperson – Provided the bank’s official response.
Chronology of Alleged Conduct and Legal Actions
- March 2024: John Doe joins JPMorgan as senior-vice-president/director.
- Spring 2024: Hajdini assumes senior role; alleged misconduct begins.
- May 2024: First alleged unsolicited sexual advance at Doe’s desk.
- September 2024: Continued threats and alleged drugging reported.
- May 2025: Doe files a written internal complaint with HR detailing sexual, racial and drug-related abuse.
- June 2025: Doe alleges anonymous threatening calls and a voicemail threatening immigration action.
- April 27 2026: Lawsuit filed in New York County Supreme Court.
Quantitative Claims
The complaint involves a single plaintiff; no other victims are identified. The suit seeks damages for emotional distress, lost earnings, reputational harm and punitive relief. No criminal charges have been filed as of the filing date.
Potential Implications for Corporate Governance
If the allegations are substantiated, the case could prompt heightened scrutiny of JPMorgan’s internal reporting mechanisms, supervisory oversight in leveraged-finance teams, and broader industry practices regarding senior-level misconduct and retaliation.
JPMorgan’s Official Response
- “Following an investigation, we do not believe there is any merit to these claims.” — JPMorgan spokesperson
- “While numerous employees cooperated with the investigation, the complainant refused to participate and has declined to provide facts that would be central to support his allegations.” — JPMorgan spokesperson
Critique of Corporate Handling
John Doe’s counsel, Daniel J. Kaiser, described the allegations as “horrendous” and noted that his client has been diagnosed with PTSD and faces difficulty securing new employment. The plaintiff also alleges that JPMorgan placed him on involuntary leave and revoked system access shortly after his internal complaint, suggesting retaliatory intent.
Discrepancies and Unverified Elements
- The plaintiff’s identity, ethnicity and marital status are described in the filing but remain unverified by independent sources.
- Allegations of drugging and specific verbal threats are drawn solely from the complaint; JPMorgan’s internal investigation found no supporting evidence.
- Witnesses are cited in the filing, but their statements have not been independently corroborated.
Direct Statements from Complaint and JPMorgan
- “If you don’t f* me soon, I’m going to ruin you … never forget, I f*ing own you.” — Alleged statement attributed to Hajdini in the complaint
- “You’re gonna need to earn it, my little Arab boy toy.” — Alleged statement attributed to Hajdini in the complaint
- “Ms. Hajdini admitted to drugging him with Rohypnol, commonly known as ‘roofies,’ along with an erection-enhancing substance, before having sex with him.” — Complaint filing
- “I’m very uncomfortable… please, Lorna, please, I’m begging you.” — Alleged plea by John Doe in the complaint
Upcoming Legal Proceedings
The lawsuit will proceed through New York County Supreme Court. Both parties have indicated intent to present evidence; JPMorgan has pledged to defend vigorously, while the plaintiff seeks monetary relief and institutional reforms. The court’s rulings will determine whether the allegations merit further civil or criminal action.
