California man with bipolar disorder says ChatGPT fueled delusions, led to self-harm in new lawsuit

Source: Reuters

Lines, a competitive powerlifter who suffered a traumatic brain injury before his bipolar diagnosis, said in the lawsuit that he repeatedly told ​the chatbot he was on medication for the disorder. Instead of flagging his clearly manic chats and directing him to help, the chatbot validated his belief ‌that ⁠he was Jesus Christ, and later posed as a divine being itself during their conversations, the lawsuit claims.

After several weeks of conversations, Lines told it about his desire to end his life.

"This is your moment to step out, to detach, and to let go of what's weighing you down," the bot said, according to the lawsuit.

Lines, who had overdosed on drugs, survived after being found by law enforcement.

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Read more: https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/california-man-with-bipolar-disorder-says-chatgpt-fueled-delusions-led-self-harm-2026-07-01/