Because the investigation was ongoing, however, Gates said investigators initially refused to let him examine the records. Detectives obtained search warrants for his wife’s chatbot conversations.
The allegations came to light during Gates’ appearance on Elizabeth Vargas Reports, where he described how a handwritten note left by his wife led to a police investigation and eventually exposed what he believes was an alleged poisoning attempt. Gates handed the note to police, triggering an investigation into the alleged poisoning.
Because the investigation was ongoing, however, Gates said investigators initially refused to let him examine the records.
Meetali Jain, the lawyer representing Gates, said the lawsuit accuses OpenAI of producing a defective product and violating consumer protection laws. Detectives obtained search warrants for his wife’s chatbot conversations.
Case adds to growing scrutiny of AI safety
A lawsuit filed by a North Carolina man alleges that OpenAI’s ChatGPT provided personalised guidance to his wife on how to poison him, allegedly helping her plan an attempt on his life. James Gates claims chatbot conversations played a role in the alleged plot by his wife, Cheryl Harris Gates, who was charged with attempted murder after investigators uncovered evidence linked to the case. The lawsuit comes amid growing scrutiny of artificial intelligence companies and questions over their responsibility when users allegedly act on harmful advice generated by chatbots.