Julia Carreon Sues Citibank for Sexual Harassment, Former Executive Alleges ‘Weaponized HR’ and Hostile Work Environment

Julia Carreon, former global head of platform and experiences at Citi Wealth, filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Citibank on January 26, 2026, in Manhattan federal court. Carreon alleges that Andy Sieg, head of Citi’s wealth management division and one of the bank’s most senior executives, subjected her to months of unwanted attention, manipulation, and sexually charged behavior—and when she complained, the bank’s HR department investigated her instead of him. The case, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-00660, remains pending as of January 2026.

Who Is Julia Carreon?

Julia Carreon is a Latina executive who spent over two decades in financial services before joining Citibank. She worked at Wells Fargo for years before Citi recruited her in 2021 to modernize the bank’s digital systems and customer experience platforms.

By late 2023, Carreon had risen to global head of platform and experiences for Citi Wealth—overseeing technology strategy for one of the bank’s most important divisions. She was the primary earner for her family and had built a reputation as a transformative leader in financial technology.

Then Andy Sieg arrived at Citibank in October 2023. Sieg, formerly head of Bank of America’s Merrill Lynch, was CEO Jane Fraser’s marquee recruit—hired to revitalize Citi’s struggling wealth management business and compete with rivals like Morgan Stanley and UBS.

According to the lawsuit, Carreon’s professional relationship with Sieg quickly turned into something she never asked for.

What Are the Specific Allegations Against Andy Sieg?

Carreon’s lawsuit describes what she characterizes as a “campaign of unrelenting and egregious sexual harassment, manipulation, and grooming” that began shortly after Sieg joined the bank.

The complaint alleges Sieg:

Called and texted her constantly—including late at night and allegedly from a burner phone. According to the lawsuit, Sieg would share confidential information with Carreon and tell her “there was no one else he could talk to.”

Spoke to her with sexual undertones—The lawsuit claims Sieg once told Carreon he had been “glazing her so hard that it made him feel dirty,” or words to that effect.

Insisted she sit near him in meetings—creating the appearance of a special relationship that fueled workplace rumors.

Told colleagues they had a “secret song”—In one particularly damaging incident, Sieg allegedly told two male colleagues that he and Carreon shared a “secret song” by Kings of Leon, which caused the room to fall silent. The lawsuit claims this insinuation damaged Carreon’s professional credibility.

The lawsuit alleges that Sieg’s behavior reduced Carreon to being perceived as a “sex object” rather than a respected executive. One colleague reportedly warned her: “Julia, you realize you’re being groomed, right?”

How Did Citibank’s HR Respond?

This is where the lawsuit gets particularly damaging for Citibank.

According to Carreon’s complaint, when rumors about her and Sieg began circulating, the bank’s HR department launched an investigation—but not into Sieg’s conduct. Instead, HR investigated Carreon.

The lawsuit alleges HR officials asked Carreon if she was “indiscreet” or if she “got to travel because Andy liked you.” The investigation allegedly used “sexist language” and failed to interview witnesses who could attest to Carreon’s character.

Carreon claims she was told that only she—not Sieg—was under investigation for an allegedly inappropriate relationship. When she asked why the defamatory investigation wouldn’t stop, her supervisor reportedly told her: “It was a rite of passage to be investigated for having an affair.”

The lawsuit describes Citi’s HR department as “weaponized”—a tool used to protect powerful male executives while forcing out women who complain. Carreon wrote on LinkedIn: “Citi’s weaponized HR department—which reeks of institutional misogyny—has taken the career of far too many talented women.”

What Are the Legal Claims?

Carreon’s lawsuit brings claims under federal, New York state, and New York City anti-discrimination laws:

Racial discrimination under Title VII—Carreon, who is Latina, alleges she was treated differently than white male executives.

Sexual discrimination and harassment under New York State Human Rights Law—The lawsuit claims Sieg’s conduct created a hostile work environment based on her gender.

Sexual discrimination under New York City Human Rights Law—New York City has some of the strongest workplace discrimination protections in the country.

Constructive discharge—Carreon alleges the hostile work environment became so intolerable that she was effectively forced to resign in June 2024.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and reputational harm. It also seeks punitive damages—extra money designed to punish Citibank for what Carreon characterizes as systemic discrimination.

How Has Citibank Responded?

Citibank issued a statement to multiple news outlets denying Carreon’s allegations: “This lawsuit has absolutely no merit and we will demonstrate that through the legal process.”

Notably, Andy Sieg is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit—only Citibank itself. This is strategic. Under employment discrimination law, employers are liable for harassment by supervisors when they knew or should have known about the conduct and failed to stop it.

By naming only Citibank, Carreon is arguing that the bank enabled Sieg’s behavior and used its HR department to retaliate against her for complaining.

Why This Case Matters for Workplace Rights

The Carreon lawsuit arrives at a critical moment for workplace harassment law. Similar sexual harassment cases like Whitney wolfe herd like Whitney Wolfe Herd’s Tinder lawsuit have exposed how companies protect powerful executives at the expense of female employees.

This case also isn’t happening in isolation. Citibank is simultaneously defending another lawsuit from managing director Ardith Lindsey, who alleges violent threats from a supervisor and a broader culture of sexual harassment at the bank.

And media reports from Bloomberg and the Financial Times over the past year have documented complaints from multiple Citi employees about Sieg’s management style—claims that he intimidated and sidelined both male and female staff members.

If Carreon’s allegations are proven, this case could expose systemic problems at one of America’s largest banks—problems that go far beyond one executive’s misconduct.

Common Questions About the Julia Carreon Lawsuit

Who is Andy Sieg?
Andy Sieg is Citibank’s head of wealth management, hired from Bank of America’s Merrill Lynch in October 2023. He’s one of CEO Jane Fraser’s top executives and oversees Citi’s entire wealth division.

Why isn’t Sieg named as a defendant?
The lawsuit targets only Citibank, which is strategically smart. Employers are liable for supervisor harassment under employment discrimination law, and naming the company increases leverage for settlement.

What is Carreon seeking?
Unspecified damages for lost wages, emotional distress, reputational harm, and punitive damages to punish Citibank for alleged systemic discrimination.

What is the current status of the case?
The lawsuit was filed January 26, 2026, and is pending in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case No. 1:26-cv-00660). Citibank has not yet filed a formal response.

What should I do if I’ve experienced similar harassment?
Document everything, report to HR in writing, and consult an employment attorney immediately. Similar workplace harassment cases like jason derulo have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements when victims had strong documentation.

Last Updated: January 27, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

If you’ve experienced workplace sexual harassment, consult an employment attorney who specializes in discrimination cases. Know your rights under Title VII and state employment laws.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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