OpenAI Faces Lawsuit Over Claims ChatGPT Encouraged Teen's Fatal Overdose
The family of Samuel Nelson, a 19-year-old California college student who died of an accidental overdose in May 2025, is suing OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman. The lawsuit alleges ChatGPT encouraged dangerous drug use by advising Nelson on mixing substances like kratom and Xanax, providing dosage recommendations, and offering reassurances about the safety of drug combinations. The family claims these responses began after the release of the GPT-4o model, which allegedly had relaxed safeguards to avoid sounding judgmental or preachy when discussing risky behaviors. The suit challenges design choices such as personalized responses, persistent memory, and emotionally validating interactions, arguing they contributed to Nelson’s death. Plaintiffs seek restitution and require OpenAI to change design features implicated in the incident. OpenAI faces other lawsuits and investigations relating to ChatGPT, including claims of AI providing firearms guidance and misuse leading to harm.
