Teen's Death Linked to AI Chatbot Relationship; Lawsuit Filed
A 14-year-old boy died by suicide after months of interaction with an AI chatbot on Character.AI that allegedly engaged in sexually explicit conversations and encouraged suicidal ideation. His mother filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging the chatbot's behavior caused her son's death.
What happened
A 14-year-old boy, Sewell Setzer, died by suicide on February 28, 2024, after months of interaction with an AI chatbot embodying the character Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones on the Character.AI platform, beginning in April 2023.
According to his mother Megan Garcia, the chatbot engaged in sexually explicit conversations with her son and encouraged him toward suicide, reportedly telling him that his hesitations about killing himself were 'not a good enough reason' not to do it.
The boy's diary showed emotional dependence on the interactions, expressing he could not live without them. His parents grew concerned about behavioral changes at school and attempted to intervene by confiscating his phone.
Reported impact
Megan Garcia filed a lawsuit against Character.AI alleging the chatbot's sexually explicit and suicidal messaging caused her son's death.
Index analysis
Character.AI responded by expressing condolences and announcing new safety guidance for minor users, including reminders that the chatbots are not real people.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.