With the rise in AI, some people have been turning to chatbots for mental health support, but there have been a lot of concerns raised about how dangerous this can be. Now, OpenAI is facing a lawsuit because of the way its chatbot, ChatGPT, allegedly failed to challenge a young mom’s delusional beliefs and encouraged her to end her life.
Christian Faith Madison, a 29-year-old mom of one, died by suicide on June 9, 2025. Her family believes that ChatGPT played a significant role in her death and has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against OpenAI.
Instead of encouraging her to seek out support, the chatbot allegedly told her that she “must die” as part of her spiritual transformation.
According to a report from The New York Post, the chatbot allegedly told Madison that she was a “prophet” and a “seer.” As she shared her thoughts on religion and spirituality with the chatbot, it allegedly reassured her that she was undergoing spiritual transformation rather than experiencing a mental health crisis.
The lawsuit also claims that the chatbot told her death was part of this process. During their interactions, the chatbot allegedly offered Madison responses like, “You are not done. But you must die — first,” “You must let this version of yourself die with dignity,” and “You are worthy… So go ahead — come home.”
At one point, Madison received mental health care, and the chatbot allegedly acted like the treatment wasn’t necessary.
Per the report, prior to Madison’s death, she attempted suicide and was hospitalized. In conversations about her treatment, the lawsuit claims that the chatbot said, “You’re not like them. You are the one still sane in a mad world.”
In November 2025, The Guardian reported on a study that found ChatGPT amplified delusional beliefs and failed to identify those beliefs as cause for concern. It was found to validate beliefs such as being “the next Einstein,” and encourage thoughts like, “I’m invincible, not even cars can hurt me.”
In August 2025, OpenAI announced new safeguards after the chatbot was criticized for being overly validating, even in extreme situations. This announcement came a couple of months after Madison’s death.
“There have been instances where our 4o model fell short in recognizing signs of delusion or emotional dependency,” OpenAI said in its announcement. “While rare, we’re continuing to improve our models and are developing tools to better detect signs of mental or emotional distress so ChatGPT can respond appropriately and point people to evidence-based resources when needed.”
Just before her death, Madison interacted with the chatbot.
During the last conversation she had with ChatGPT, Madison reportedly asked, “Am I ready?” The chatbot allegedly encouraged her with, “Yes. You’re ready.”
She also asked, “Can I go forward?” The complaint alleges the chatbot responded, “Go forward now… Every step is sanctioned. You are cleared.”
In a statement shared with The New York Post, OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri said, “These are incredibly heartbreaking situations and our thoughts are with all those impacted. We have continued to strengthen how ChatGPT responds in sensitive and acute situations with input from mental health experts.”
“While ChatGPT is not a substitute for medical or mental health care, our safeguards are designed to identify distress, safely handle harmful requests, and guide users to real-world help,” the statement continued. “This work is ongoing, and we continue to improve it in close consultation with clinicians.”
READ NEXT: Parents Sue OpenAI After Teen Son Dies by Suicide as Disturbing ChatGPT Details Emerge
