Bank of America executive fired over sexual allegations files $100 million defamation claim: report

A Bank of America executive who was fired because of sexual harassment allegations has filed a $100 million defamation claim against the bank, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The former executive, Omeed Malik, is asking Bank of America for the money because he claims the bank used “false and defamatory language” in public documents about his termination, according to the Journal.

Malik’s lawyer, John Singer, added that the bank “threatened the employment and livelihood of other employees they interviewed if they did not admit to inappropriate conduct on Mr. Malik’s part, which these employees courageously refused to do.”

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A Bank of America spokesperson said that the bank stands by its decision to file Malik, the Journal reported.

“His claims are without merit and we will defend ourselves in this matter,” the spokesperson said.

Malik was one of Bank of America’s top figures in its prime brokerage division focused on hedge-funds until he was fired in January.

The Journal reported in January that multiple women accused Malik of inappropriate sexual advances in the workplace, which led to his firing. Malik has denied the claims.

The Journal at the time pointed to Malik as an example of the “Me Too” movement against sexual harassment and assault hitting the banking industry after first moving through Hollywood and the political world.