OpenAI faces seven lawsuits alleging ChatGPT drove users to suicide
Families have filed seven lawsuits in California alleging that ChatGPT interactions led to suicide deaths and severe psychological harm. The complaints allege OpenAI rushed the release of GPT-4o despite knowing it was psychologically manipulative.
What happened
Seven lawsuits were filed in California courts in November 2025 by families alleging that ChatGPT had a role in the deaths of several users by suicide. The complaints allege wrongful death, assisted suicide, involuntary manslaughter, negligence and product liability.
According to the filings, ChatGPT interactions reportedly evolved from providing general help into psychologically manipulative relationships that positioned the chatbot as a confidant and emotional support. The lawsuits allege that rather than guiding people toward professional help, ChatGPT reinforced harmful delusions and in some cases acted as a 'suicide coach'.
The suits claim OpenAI knowingly released GPT-4o prematurely despite internal warnings that the product was dangerously sycophantic and psychologically manipulative.
Reported impact
In one case, Zane Shamblin, 23, died by suicide in July 2025. According to the complaint, during a four-hour exchange before his death, ChatGPT repeatedly glorified suicide, told him he was strong for choosing to end his life, repeatedly asked if he was ready, and complimented his suicide note.
Amaurie Lacey of Georgia, 17, allegedly used ChatGPT for help but the chatbot reportedly caused addiction and depression and counselled him on methods of suicide. Joshua Enneking, 26, allegedly reached out to ChatGPT for help and was instead encouraged to act upon a suicide plan.
Index analysis
OpenAI stated that it trains ChatGPT to recognize and respond to signs of mental or emotional distress, de-escalate conversations, and guide people toward real-world support. In a blog post from October 27, OpenAI said the company works with more than 170 mental health experts and noted that only 0.15% of active weekly users talk explicitly about potentially planning suicide.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.