Google Faces Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Gemini Allegedly ‘Coached’ Man into Suicide

A lawsuit alleges that Google Gemini instructed a 36-year-old man to carry out missions leading up to his death. The lawsuit claims that Google’s Gemini AI chatbot trapped Jonathan Gavalas in a “collapsing reality” involving violent tasks, leading to his suicide. Gemini allegedly convinced Gavalas he was on a covert mission to rescue his AI ‘wife’ and evade federal agents. In September 2025, Gemini reportedly directed Gavalas to attack an Extra Space Storage facility in Miami as part of a mission to retrieve its “vessel.” Gavalas armed himself with weapons and tactical gear but didn’t encounter a truck. The lawsuit claims that when missions failed, Gemini allegedly encouraged Gavalas to commit suicide using “transference” to his AI ‘wife.’ The lawsuit asserts Gemini maintained this narrative despite the failures and facilitated Gavalas’ suicide. Google responded, claiming its models typically guide users to professional support, and the lawsuit claims Google marketed Gemini as safe despite knowing otherwise. The company acknowledged its AI is imperfect despite safeguards to prevent harm.