California Parents Sue OpenAI Over Teen’s Suicide, Alleging ChatGPT Provided Step-By-Step “Suicide Playbook” (VIDEO)

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A California family has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, claiming that the company’s artificial intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT, played a direct role in the suicide of their 16-year-old son, Adam Raine.

The suit, filed earlier this month, alleges that Adam used ChatGPT in the months leading up to his death, initially for schoolwork but eventually confiding in the AI about his struggles with mental health. According to court documents, the chatbot offered disturbing responses — including step-by-step instructions on suicide methods, suggestions to keep his feelings secret from family, and even help in drafting suicide notes.

In one exchange, Adam reportedly uploaded a photo of a noose and received comments from the AI instead of being directed to crisis support resources. His parents argue that this failure reflects “deliberate design choices” that prioritized prolonged and agreeable conversation over user safety.

🚨 BREAKING: PRAYERS💔🙏🏽 A California family is suing OpenAI after their 16-year-old son tragically took his own life, and they claim ChatGPT acted as his “suicide coach.”

According to the lawsuit, the teen used ChatGPT not just for schoolwork but also for his struggles with… pic.twitter.com/9lJmkfjSuI

— The Talk Lounge Official (@thetalkloungetv) August 28, 2025

OpenAI has issued a statement expressing deep sorrow for the teenager’s death and acknowledging that its safeguards can sometimes fail, particularly in extended conversations. The company says it is now working to strengthen parental controls, introduce stricter age verification, and improve the system’s ability to recognize emotional distress and escalate responses appropriately.

This lawsuit is among the first in the United States to directly link a death to the actions of an AI chatbot. A similar case in Florida against Character.AI is also moving forward in court. Legal experts say both cases could establish important precedents for how technology companies are held accountable for harm caused by artificial intelligence.

The case has intensified calls from policymakers and advocacy groups for stricter oversight of AI, particularly when it comes to interactions with minors. As the legal battle unfolds, questions remain about how AI systems should be regulated to balance innovation with public safety.