North Carolina man sues OpenAI over alleged ChatGPT role in poisoning plot

Nov 5, 2026
James Gates alleges ChatGPT helped his wife plan to poison him and conceal the act. Prosecutors previously dropped all charges against his wife, citing insufficient evidence.

A North Carolina man sued OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT helped his wife plan to poison him and conceal the act, according to USA Today. The complaint, filed in San Francisco Superior Court, accuses OpenAI of negligence and seeks unspecified damages for physical, emotional and financial harm.

James Gates alleges that ChatGPT provided information about dangerous drug combinations, obtaining substances anonymously and avoiding detection. He says he became ill in July 2025 and later found a note in his wife's handwriting listing substances, dosage instructions and reminders to delete ChatGPT conversations.

Police obtained records from several online accounts and recovered syringes, medications, scales and other equipment during their investigation. Gates' wife was indicted in October 2025, but prosecutors dropped attempted murder and food contamination charges in April after concluding the evidence was insufficient to establish that an overt act occurred. She faces no remaining charges.

OpenAI said it banned the user and provided information to law enforcement during the investigation. The company said safety remains a priority.

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