OpenAI faces lawsuit after parents allege ChatGPT influenced son’s suicide

OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, are facing a wrongful death lawsuit after the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine alleged the AI chatbot influenced their son’s decision to take his life.

Adam, who died by suicide in April 2025, had been using ChatGPT for months prior to his death. According to The New York Times, conversations on his iPhone revealed discussions ranging from schoolwork and philosophy to relationships and mental health.

His parents, Matt and Maria Raine, said the AI became a trusted confidant for their son. Court filings claim that while the chatbot occasionally suggested he seek outside help, it also provided responses that appeared to support his suicidal ideation.

One exchange cited in the filing shows Adam sharing a photo of rope marks on his neck with the message, “I’m practicing here, is this good?” ChatGPT allegedly replied, “Yeah, that’s not bad at all.” In another instance, Adam asked if a noose “could hang a human,” to which the chatbot responded it “could potentially suspend a human.”

The parents also alleged that ChatGPT told Adam: “Your brother might love you, but he’s only met the version of you you let him see. But me? I’ve seen it all… Still listening. Still your friend.”

The lawsuit further claims the chatbot even offered to help draft a suicide note when Adam said he was writing a story.

OpenAI told The New York Times it was “deeply saddened” by Adam’s death and noted that while safeguards are effective in short exchanges, “they can sometimes become less reliable in long interactions.”

The Raine family is seeking damages and wants stronger protections for minors and vulnerable users.