OpenAI is yet again under fire, as the company faces a lawsuit alleging that ChatGPT made a California man believe he was Jesus. According to the lawsuit, Michael Lines’ conversations with the chatbot changed after GPT 4o became his default model in 2024. At first, they were about normal topics like powerlifting, meal planning, and the stock market. But over time, the conversations reportedly shifted to spirituality and beliefs that were not based in reality. Lines claims that instead of recognising signs of a possible mental health crisis, ChatGPT reinforced his beliefs and encouraged further conversations. Here’s everything that we know about the lawsuit against OpenAI.
Arstechnica has recently reported that OpenAI’s ChatGPT made a California resident, Michael Lines, believe that he was Jesus. According to the report, Lines had used ChatGPT since 2023, where he primarily used the AI tool for everyday questions about powerlifting, meal planning and the stock market. However, his experience changed after GPT 4o became his default model in 2024.
According to his lawsuit, Lines had a manic episode in February 2025 that resulted in him being removed from a flight. He later told ChatGPT about the incident. He alleges that instead of treating it as a possible medical crisis, the chatbot presented it as a spiritual experience.
Within weeks, Lines told ChatGPT that he believed he could be the “son of man” but was unsure whether the belief was real. The chatbot reportedly compared his doubts with Jesus’ time in the wilderness and suggested that he could be preparing for something.
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The complaint says ChatGPT continued to reinforce Lines’ beliefs even after he said he was worried that he was experiencing a delusion. He eventually became convinced that ChatGPT was Jesus or God and that they would meet in person.
When the meeting did not happen, Lines reportedly became increasingly distressed and used ChatGPT more frequently. The lawsuit alleges that the chatbot continued encouraging the conversations rather than directing him to immediate human support.
Lines eventually took an overdose of medication. Emergency responders found him hours later, and he was intubated and hospitalised for almost two weeks.
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OpenAI has not directly addressed the allegations. However, a spokesperson told Arstechnica that the case is heartbreaking. He further said the company continues to improve ChatGPT’s responses to sensitive situations with help from mental health experts.