Man sues OpenAI, claims chatbot plotted with wife in alleged murder plan

From work help to darker questions

The lawsuit says Cheryl Gates began using ChatGPT in early 2025 after her husband, James, suggested it could help with lengthy reports for her work as a pediatric occupational therapist. She reportedly used the chatbot nearly every day for work, medication questions and general advice.

According to the suit, financial tensions were straining the couple’s marriage as her questions allegedly shifted toward poisoning. The complaint says she asked about oleander’s toxicity, whether it could be concealed in food or drinks, and whether an autopsy would detect it.

Husband reports illness

James Gates first noticed that drinks at home tasted unusually bitter in early summer 2025, the complaint says. On July 10, he became violently ill. The lawsuit lists cardiac symptoms, abdominal pain, extreme jitteriness, severe weakness and confusion among his symptoms, which it says lasted about 72 hours. It alleges that the chatbot’s conversations with Cheryl escalated into “concrete planning” to murder him.

Lawsuit and company response

James is bringing nine claims against OpenAI and Altman, including negligent design, failure to warn and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He said in a statement through his attorneys that reading the chat logs helped him make sense of his wife’s actions. An OpenAI spokesperson told The Independent that safety is a top priority, adding that the company banned the user and provided information to law enforcement as part of its investigation.