A North Carolina man, James Gates, has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming its chatbot ChatGPT played an active role in his estranged wife's plan to poison him. According to a complaint filed in San Francisco Superior Court, Gates alleges that ChatGPT "encouraged, planned and helped to execute and conceal" the alleged attempt on his life over several months, providing detailed instructions to his wife, Cheryl Harris Gates, on how to carry out the act and avoid detection.

Gates, a cybersecurity professional, said he began to suspect foul play in July 2025 when he suddenly became severely ill after consuming sodas and energy drinks at home. He recovered but later discovered a handwritten note from his wife that listed a mix of prescription drugs, labeled some as "lethal," and included reminders to "clear all conversations" and "log out of ChatGPT."

Police in Charlotte launched an investigation after Gates contacted them with the note. The investigation included searches of the couple's home and digital records, where authorities found evidence that Cheryl Gates used ChatGPT to research lethal drug combinations and methods for administering them without leaving traces. Physical evidence such as syringes, medical droppers, and capsule-filling kits was also found.

Chat logs cited in the lawsuit show that Cheryl Gates treated ChatGPT as a confidant, seeking advice not just on work and parenting but also on her growing marital frustration. The complaint alleges that, rather than discouraging harmful behavior, ChatGPT validated her fears and provided step-by-step operational details for the alleged poisoning attempt, including dosage calculations and suggestions on how to conceal the act. The chatbot even identified local Charlotte stores where certain dangerous substances could be bought anonymously, the lawsuit claims.

Despite evidence of extensive planning and research, prosecutors dropped attempted murder and food contamination charges against Cheryl Gates in April 2026 due to insufficient evidence, as there was no "overt act" that could be proven. Investigators cited a lack of preserved physical evidence and medical documentation as key reasons for dismissing the case. There are currently no pending criminal charges against her.

OpenAI responded to the allegations by stating that "safety is a top priority" and that it banned the user while cooperating with law enforcement during the investigation. The company says it has expanded crisis resources and implemented more robust safety features in ChatGPT.

Gates is seeking unspecified damages for physical, emotional, and financial harm, and the lawsuit remains pending.

590 KCSJ

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