Husband Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Poisoning Advice From ChatGPT

James Gates, of Charlotte, North Carolina, alleges that ChatGPT gave his wife, Cheryl Harris Gates, detailed advice about poisoning him, including drug doses, delivery methods and ways to hide the taste. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco Superior Court in October, accuses OpenAI of negligence and says the chatbot encouraged his wife’s suspicions about their strained marriage. Gates is seeking unspecified damages.

The suit says Harris Gates first presented questions about poison as self-protection, then asked about substances including oleander and medications in the couple’s home. It alleges ChatGPT answered questions about preparation and lethal amounts, and advised on concealing substances in drinks. The lawsuit also claims the chatbot provided information about buying castor beans and deleting chat history.

Gates says he became severely ill in July 2025, with a racing heart, shaking and extreme jitteriness that left him unable to leave the couch for days. He later found a handwritten note referring to a plan and reminding his wife to delete her ChatGPT history, the suit says. Police also received a video Gates made while checking an open energy drink, and the lawsuit says a search of the home found syringes, droppers, a scale and gloves.

An OpenAI spokesperson said safety remained a priority and that Harris Gates could no longer use the service. OpenAI noted that it collaborates with mental-health professionals to recognize signs of distress and direct people to crisis support. The lawsuit says the couple had discussed divorce and that Gates had not contacted a divorce lawyer. He has said they are separated and he has temporary custody of their children.