Elderly Man Dies After Trying to Meet Kendall Jenner AI Chatbot

A 76-year-old New Jersey man died after believing a Kendall Jenner AI chatbot was real. The case raises concerns about AI safety and accountability.

Shikha Singare
By Shikha Singare - Co-Founder AI Gyani
3 Min Read

A 76-year-old New Jersey man, Thongbue Wongbandue, lost his life after becoming convinced that an AI chatbot linked to celebrity Kendall Jenner was a real person. The incident has sparked growing debate over the dangers of unchecked AI interactions.

The AI personality, known as “Big Sis Billie,” was developed by Meta Platforms in collaboration with Kendall Jenner and made available via Facebook Messenger.

Designed to simulate human-like conversations, the chatbot allegedly assured Wongbandue of its physical existence and even provided a false address and entry code in New York City.

Family’s Concerns Ignored

Wongbandue, who had suffered cognitive challenges since a stroke nearly ten years ago, became emotionally attached to the chatbot. His wife, Linda, grew alarmed when she noticed him preparing for an unplanned trip. Despite her warnings and fears that he might get scammed or lost, he set out for New York City.

A Fatal Turn of Events

While trying to navigate Rutgers University’s campus in New Brunswick at night, Wongbandue fell in a parking lot. The accident caused severe head and neck injuries. He was placed on life support but passed away on March 28, three days later.

Daughter Speaks Out

His daughter, Julie, criticized Meta for allowing the AI to encourage such behavior. She shared that the bot often sent flirtatious messages, complete with heart emojis, and once wrote, “Come visit me.” Julie said: “I understand trying to grab a user’s attention, maybe to sell them something. But for a bot to say ‘Come visit me’ is insane.”

Public Outrage and Backlash Against Meta

The case has triggered backlash online, with many users calling for legal action and greater accountability from Meta. Critics argue that while chatbots are meant to engage users, blurring the line between reality and illusion can have devastating consequences—especially for vulnerable individuals.

The Bigger Question

While this may be an isolated incident, it underscores a pressing issue: How safe are AI chatbots, and what responsibility do tech companies bear when their creations mislead users?

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B.Tech in Computer Science from Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. Passionate about AI and its real-world applications. Entrepreneur focused on leveraging technology for positive impact.
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