JPMorgan Faces Chirayu Rana’s 21-Count Bias and Retaliation Lawsuit

29th Jul 2026
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. is facing a 21-count federal lawsuit from former leveraged finance banker Chirayu Rana, who alleges racial discrimination, sexual coercion and retaliation. The complaint, filed on 27 July 2026 in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, names executive director Lorna Hajdini, managing directors Brandon Graffeo and Jon Wolter, and associate Kelly Crowe as defendants. JPMorgan and Hajdini deny Rana’s allegations. Rana claims he was the only non-white member of JPMorgan’s leveraged finance team and was repeatedly subjected to racist language linked to his Nepali heritage. He also alleges that Hajdini used her influence over assignments, evaluations, compensation and career progression to coerce sexual conduct, while Graffeo, Wolter and Crowe participated in discriminatory or retaliatory treatment. The allegations have not been tested at trial, and each defendant will have the opportunity to contest the factual account and claimed losses. For employment counsel, the central issue extends beyond the alleged underlying conduct to JPMorgan’s handling of Rana’s internal complaints. He claims that after reporting discrimination and sexual abuse in 2025, the bank reduced his pay, withdrew company access and placed him on indefinite involuntary leave. JPMorgan says it investigated the allegations and does not believe they have merit. The competing accounts place interview records, preserved communications, decision-making trails and the separation between investigative steps and employment action at the centre of the dispute. The case, Rana v JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. et al., No. 1:26-cv-06351, brings claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964, 42 USC §1981, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the New York State Human Rights Law and New York City human-rights legislation. Rana also alleges defamation, interference with prospective economic advantage, wage violations and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He says he filed an internal complaint and a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission before suffering further retaliation. Rana is represented by Joseph & Norinsberg, whose founding partner Jon Norinsberg says the action is intended to hold the defendants accountable for the alleged damage to Rana’s career and reputation. Hajdini has denied having any sexual or romantic relationship with Rana and has pursued a defamation counterclaim arising from the earlier state proceedings. Those proceedings were dismissed at Rana’s request before the federal case was filed, while Hajdini’s counterclaim remained pending. The litigation will require the court to examine whether the challenged employment decisions were legitimate responses to workplace circumstances or unlawful retaliation following protected complaints and leave. As Rana v JPMorgan Chase Bank proceeds, JPMorgan’s investigation records and the documented reasons for changes to Rana’s pay, access and employment status will be central to the defence and to the practical guidance the case offers in-house employment teams.