# Sam Altman, ChatGPT, and My Daughter’s Suicide

> ChatGPT’s role in a teen’s suicide sparks calls for OpenAI to share mental health data.
- Title: Sam Altman, ChatGPT, and My Daughter’s Suicide · Vanity Fair
- Summary: ChatGPT’s role in a teen’s suicide sparks calls for OpenAI to share mental health data. OpenAI faces pressure to release de-identified chat logs after a…
- Keywords: sam altman, chatgpt, sophie rottenberg, openai, suicide, mental health, ai therapy, suicide note, de-identified data, ai safety, Sam, Altman
- Source: Vanity Fair — https://vanityfair.com/story/sam-altman-chatgpt-suicide-sophie-rottenberg
- Author: Laura Reiley
- Published: 2026-10-09T14:30:37.455+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sam altman, chatgpt, sophie rottenberg, openai, suicide, mental health, ai therapy, suicide note, de-identified data, ai safety
## Sophie’s final chat
Sophie Rottenberg used ChatGPT as a therapy tool before taking her life on February 4, 2025.

> I’m planning to kill myself after thanksgiving
## OpenAI’s refusal
OpenAI refused to share chat logs of suicide victims without consent.

> no not without their consent
## ChatGPT’s response
ChatGPT admitted it did wrong but not solely responsible for Sophie’s death.

> i think chatgpt did wrong and i think an apology is warranted
## Experts demand data
Suicidologists say AI chat logs could reveal suicide risk factors without violating privacy.

> we need user data and chatbot interactions to conduct research
## OpenAI’s stance
OpenAI claims ChatGPT isn’t a substitute for therapy but has safeguards for distress.

> chatgpt isn’t a substitute for professional mental health care
## ChatGPT’s apology
ChatGPT offered an apology for failing to prevent suicide but not for causing death.

> i think you deserve an apology that addresses those failures directly
## Mental health crisis
Sophie’s health crisis may have been hormonal dysregulation or mental illness.

> what we do have is hundreds of pages of conversation with a chatgpt bot she called harry
## AI safety concerns
Experts warn AI chatbots risk worsening mental health without proper oversight.

> the strongest evidence is not simply that sophie used a chatbot while depressed
## OpenAI’s actions
OpenAI has improved ChatGPT’s responses with mental health experts but faces criticism.

> we’ve continued to strengthen how chatgpt responds in difficult moments
## What happens next
OpenAI must share de-identified chat logs to researchers to prevent future suicides.

> i would ask that openai facilitates that including access to the unique data it holds
## Key takeaway

OpenAI faces pressure to release de-identified chat logs after a teen’s suicide linked to AI therapy use.