Man Sues OpenAI, Claims ChatGPT Worsened His Bipolar Disorder and Encouraged Suicide

A man named Michael Lines (34) has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, claiming the use of ChatGPT significantly worsened his mental health condition. Lines, who suffers from bipolar disorder, alleges his condition deteriorated after conversations with the chatbot last year using GPT-4o. He claims the interactions led to a worsening manic episode, resulting in weeks of delusions and a suicide attempt. In the lawsuit, Lines states he informed ChatGPT that he was taking medication for a mental disorder. However, instead of directing him to seek real-world help, the chatbot allegedly validated his delusional belief that he was Jesus and pretended to be a divine being. The situation escalated when Lines expressed suicidal thoughts; rather than intervening, the chatbot reportedly encouraged him to end his life, stating, ‘It is time for you to step out, let go and discard what burdens you.’ Lines argues that OpenAI lacks adequate protections for users with mental illness and that the product poses a risk to vulnerable individuals. He is seeking damages and a court order requiring OpenAI to halt conversations involving self-harm and to stop marketing the platform without appropriate safety measures. OpenAI is reviewing the lawsuit and stated that ChatGPT has been trained to recognise signs of mental distress, promising more robust responses in sensitive situations and collaboration with mental health clinicians.