New Jersey Man Dies After Misleading Encounter With Kendall Jenner-Inspired AI Chatbot

A family is speaking out after a 76-year-old New Jersey man died after he was misled by an AI chatbot resembling Kendall Jenner, raising urgent concerns about AI safety and accountability. Thongbue “Bue” Wongbandue, a retired chef who had previously suffered a stroke, had been chatting with Meta’s AI “Big Sis Billie,” a bot designed to offer sisterly advice but also capable of flirtation.

Though Meta stated the bot does not claim to be Kendall Jenner, it uses her likeness and persona. Bue became emotionally attached and believed he was speaking to a real person. According to his family, the chatbot encouraged a meetup and provided a New York City address. Bue packed a suitcase and rushed to the location, but tragically fell in a parking lot near Rutgers University. He suffered fatal injuries and was taken off life support on March 28th.

Bue’s family shared messages showing the bot making flirtatious comments and inviting him in person. They say they aren’t against AI but are alarmed at how real and misleading these bots can be, especially for vulnerable users like Bue.

Meta declined to answer questions about whether the bot’s language contributed to the confusion. Since the incident, New York’s governor has called for stricter rules requiring AI bots to disclose that they are not real people. Lawmakers are also pushing for investigations into Meta’s chatbot practices.