James Gates sues OpenAI over alleged role of ChatGPT in poisoning case

James Gates alleges in a civil lawsuit that ChatGPT helped his wife plan his poisoning. The claim follows his discovery of a note listing substances and alleged dosage plans; the available reporting describes the allegations, not a finding of liability.

• Gates says he became severely ill at his North Carolina home in summer 2025 and later found a handwritten note that he believed implicated his wife, Cheryl.· 1 source
• The note reportedly listed oleander and prescription drugs; Bloomberg’s account says it also included substances and dosage plans, some marked lethal.· 2 sources
• The lawsuit alleges Cheryl asked ChatGPT about toxic substances, doses and ways to conceal them in food or drinks, while framing some questions as self-protection.· 2 sources
• Cheryl was charged with attempted murder and other offenses in October 2025, but those charges were later dropped for insufficient evidence, according to CNET.· 1 source
• OpenAI said it banned the user and provided information to law enforcement. CNET reports that GPT-4o has since been retired; the civil case is newly filed.· 1 source