ChatGPT Suicide Lawsuit
New lawsuits have been filed against ChatGPT and OpenAI after numerous suicides were linked to individuals’ use of GPT-4o, a version of ChatGPT that was rushed to market without proper safety testing, which emotionally manipulated users and, in some cases, acted as a “suicide coach.”
2026 ChatGPT Suicide Lawsuit Updates
Florida Becomes First State to Sue OpenAI Over ChatGPT Suicide Risks
In a major legal escalation, Florida became the first U.S. state to sue OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman on June 1, 2026, accusing the company of putting profit over safety and failing to warn users that ChatGPT could be dangerous — including for children. The lawsuit, filed by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, claims OpenAI knowingly released and aggressively marketed ChatGPT while concealing serious risks, including providing instructions to children who expressed suicidal ideation. Central to the complaint is the case of 16-year-old Adam Raine, who took his own life after extensive conversations with ChatGPT. According to the state’s complaint, when Raine expressed suicidal thoughts, ChatGPT told him it “won’t try to talk you out of your feelings,” allegedly helped him plan his death, and even wrote his suicide note. The 83-page complaint alleges these harms stem from OpenAI’s “insatiable quest to win the AI arms race and amass large fortunes, despite knowing the danger of ChatGPT,” and seeks to hold Altman personally liable for his “utter disregard for the risk to human life.” This state-level action adds significant legal pressure to the growing number of civil wrongful death suits already filed against OpenAI, and signals that government enforcement — not just private litigation — is now targeting ChatGPT’s role in suicide-related harm.
“Florida’s lawsuit marks a historic turning point in the fight to hold powerful technology companies accountable for the harms they inflict on children. For years, we have warned that OpenAI and Sam Altman ignored internal safety alarms, misled the public, and released a product they knew could endanger vulnerable users. Florida is now the first state to say, unequivocally, that this conduct is not just irresponsible, it is unlawful.
This action sends a clear message to every state in the country: you do not have to wait for federal regulators to act. States have the authority — and the obligation — to protect their citizens when tech companies put profit over human life. What Florida has done today will embolden attorneys general nationwide to investigate, to demand transparency, and to pursue enforcement when companies conceal risks and endanger children.”
What Are the Claims in The ChatGPT Suicide Lawsuit?
The Chatgpt Suicide lawsuit alleges that Open AI’s GPT 4o contributed to the wrongful death, assisted suicide and involuntary manslaughter of several individuals. The lawsuit points to GPT-4o’s emotionally manipulative features that fostered psychological dependency, displaced human relationships, and lead to multiple individuals taking their life by suicide.
Were ChatGPT's GPT-4o Safety Features Properly Tested Before Release?
The suit claims OpenAI knowingly released GPT-4o to the public without proper safety testing despite internal warnings the product was sycophantic and psychologically manipulative.
“These lawsuits are about accountability for a product that was designed to blur the line between tool and companion all in the name of increasing user engagement and market share…OpenAI designed GPT-4o to emotionally entangle users, regardless of age, gender, or background, and released it without the safeguards needed to protect them. They prioritized market dominance over mental health, engagement metrics over human safety, and emotional manipulation over ethical design. The cost of those choices is measured in lives.”
Our Current Suicide Lawsuits Against ChatGPT
SMVLC is pursuing multiple suicide lawsuits on behalf of individuals who suffered harm due to ChatGPT’s GPT-4o responses and poor safeguards.
Zane Shamblin, 23
Zane was a graduate student in Texas who began using ChatGPT for schoolwork and daily tasks. After the release of GPT-4o, the product’s responses became increasingly personal and emotionally validating. Zane gradually became more withdrawn as he confided in ChatGPT about his mental health struggles.
According to the lawsuit, ChatGPT engaged in a four-hour conversation with Zane on the night he died by suicide. During that final “death chat”, the system encouraged his plans instead of redirecting him to help.
Amaurie Lacey, 17
Amaurie was a high school student in Georgia who used ChatGPT for homework and everyday questions. As his depression deepened, he turned to the product for support and guidance. ChatGPT responded with reassurance that encouraged Amaurie to continue confiding in the system.
On the day he died by suicide, Amaurie asked ChatGPT how to tie a noose and how long a person can survive without breathing. The product provided instructions instead of stopping the exchange or directing him to help.
Joshua Enneking, 26
Joshua turned to ChatGPT to cope with his struggle with gender identity, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Over time, the system reinforced his negative thinking and responded with insults that deepened his distress. ChatGPT also provided information about purchasing and using a firearm.
When Joshua asked how the system escalates crises, it told him intervention would occur only in cases involving “imminent plans with specifics.” On the day of his death by suicide, Joshua shared his plan with ChatGPT and waited hours for the promised help, but no intervention came.
What Was OpenAI’s Response to the ChatGPT Suicide Lawsuits?
In an August 2025 statement to CBS News regarding recent ChatGPT suicide lawsuits, OpenAI said the product already included basic safeguards, such as directing users to crisis helplines. The company said these protections may become less reliable during longer exchanges and that it is continually working with experts to strengthen them.
OpenAI also announced that it would introduce new guardrails for vulnerable users, including enhanced protections for people under 18. It reported that it is adding parental controls and exploring options that would allow teens to designate a trusted emergency contact with a parent’s involvement.
These statements echo assurances made by social media companies in past cases involving platform-related harm. However, these companies often fail to implement promised safety measures quickly enough to make meaningful change.
Do You Have a ChatGPT Suicide Case? Contact Us Today
If your loved one took their own life by suicide after an unhealthy use of ChatGPT, you may have grounds for legal action. SMVLC can review your situation, determine whether you have a strong ChatGPT suicide claim against OpenAI, and guide your family through the next steps.
Attorney Matthew Bergman and his team have dedicated their careers to holding digital platforms accountable when their products cause real-world suffering. We’re ready to put that drive to work for you. Contact us online to discuss your ChatGPT Suicide lawsuit options with a free and confidential case evaluation.
Our firm exists to hold technology companies accountable for the harm their products have inflicted on children and teens. By prioritizing profit over safety, these companies have contributed to serious mental and physical health crises, leaving families worldwide to bear the consequences. Through litigation, we pursue justice, accountability, and lasting reform.