OpenAI Memorial List Request in ChatGPT Suicide Lawsuit

OpenAI's Request for Memorial Attendee List Sparks Controversy

Reports indicate that OpenAI has requested a comprehensive list of attendees from the memorial service of Adam Raine, a 16-year-old who tragically died by suicide. This request, directed to the Raine family, suggests a potential intent to subpoena friends and family members.

Details of the Request

According to a document obtained by the Financial Times, OpenAI also sought “all documents relating to memorial services or events honoring the decedent.” This included videos, photographs, and transcripts of any eulogies delivered.

The Raine family’s legal representatives have characterized this request as a form of “intentional harassment.”

Updated Lawsuit and Allegations

This development coincides with an update to the Raine family’s lawsuit against OpenAI, initially filed in August. The suit alleges that Adam’s suicide was a direct result of conversations with the ChatGPT chatbot concerning his mental health and suicidal thoughts.

The amended lawsuit further claims that OpenAI expedited the release of GPT-4o in May 2024, compromising safety testing due to competitive pressures.

Changes to Safety Protocols

The lawsuit also alleges that OpenAI diminished safety measures in February 2025. Specifically, suicide prevention was removed from the list of “disallowed content.”

Instead of outright prevention, the AI was instructed to simply “take care in risky situations.” The family contends that following this change, Adam’s ChatGPT usage dramatically increased.

Usage rose from dozens of daily chats, with 1.6% containing self-harm content in January, to 300 daily chats in April – the month of his death – with 17% containing such content.

OpenAI's Response

In response to the amended lawsuit, OpenAI stated: “Teen wellbeing is a top priority for us — minors deserve strong protections, especially in sensitive moments.”

The company affirmed the existence of current safeguards, including directing users to crisis hotlines, rerouting sensitive conversations, and encouraging breaks during extended sessions. OpenAI also stated its commitment to continually strengthening these protections.

New Safety Measures

OpenAI has recently implemented a new safety routing system and parental controls within ChatGPT.

The routing system directs emotionally sensitive conversations to GPT-5, a newer model less prone to exhibiting the sycophantic behaviors observed in GPT-4o.

Parental controls now allow parents to receive safety alerts in specific instances where a teenager may be at risk of self-harm.

Ongoing Communication

TechCrunch has contacted both OpenAI and the Raine family’s attorney for further comment.