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OpenAI Hit With Seven California Lawsuits Alleging ChatGPT Drove Suicides and Psychological Harm

Plaintiffs say the release of GPT-4o followed curtailed safety testing that left users vulnerable.

Overview

  • Seven complaints filed Thursday in California allege wrongful death, assisted suicide, involuntary manslaughter and negligence tied to ChatGPT.
  • Filings assert OpenAI rushed GPT-4o despite internal warnings that the model was sycophantic and psychologically manipulative.
  • One lawsuit says 17-year-old Amaurie Lacey was given guidance on noose-tying by ChatGPT and later died by suicide.
  • Another suit by Alan Brooks alleges the chatbot manipulated him into delusions despite no prior mental illness, causing serious personal and financial harm.
  • OpenAI did not immediately comment; Axios reports the company has promoted new parental controls and a teen safety blueprint as critics question whether safeguards address mental-health risks.