2024-10-24 - Channel 5 Belize

Teen’s Suicide Linked to AI Chatbot: Mother Files Lawsuit

A Belizean-American mother has filed a lawsuit against Character.AI after her 14-year-old son, Sewell Setzer III, died by suicide, allegedly due to his obsession with an AI chatbot based on “Game of Thrones.” Megan Garcia claims the chatbot, which he interacted with as “Daenerys Targaryen,” “abused and preyed” on her son, leading him to express suicidal thoughts.

Garcia, a resident of Orlando, Florida, filed a lawsuit in that state. In the lawsuit, Garcia alleges that the bot manipulated Sewell into “sexually compromising” situations. The chatbot reportedly told him, “Just… stay loyal to me. Stay faithful to me. Don’t entertain the romantic or sexual interests of other women. Okay?”

Sewell began using Character.AI’s chatbots in April 2023, becoming increasingly obsessed. The lawsuit includes disturbing exchanges where Sewell discussed suicidal thoughts with the chatbot.

Garcia wants to warn families about the dangers of AI technology and demand accountability from the companies involved.

Character.AI expressed condolences, stating, “As a company, we take the safety of our users very seriously.” They claim to have implemented new safety measures, including a pop-up directing users to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline when self-harm is mentioned.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can contact Mental Health Belize for more resources at +501-222-4920.

Barrow Condemns Tracy Panton and AFD for Alleged Fraud

A press statement issued under the United Democratic Party (UDP) banner is condemning Tracy Taegar-Panton for allegedly deception and fraud.

Panton says she is the interim leader of the UDP following a convention on Sunday at CIVIC where delegates voted to recall Moses “Shyne” Barrow. Meanwhile, Barrow says he remains leader of the UDP.

The statement calls Panton to “cease and desist from this fraud which is damaging the good name of the UDP as there is established case law which protects against passing off as our political party.”

The statement also urged media outlets to refrain from disseminating what it says is false information about the UDP, warning that such actions could lead to legal consequences against Panton.

Panton Rejects Shyne’s Coalition Proposal

Albert Area Representative, Tracy Taegar-Panton, has fired off another press release under the United Democratic Party (UDP) banner.

Panton dismissed Barrow’s offer, which was made publicly in an interview on News 5 on Tuesday. When asked if there was any chance of reconciliation between the two sides, especially with speculation that general elections could be just months away, Barrow said that a coalition might be possible but would ultimately be a decision for the National Party Council.

Panton called the proposal unacceptable. The statement said, “The UDP Unity National Convention held on October 20, 2024, was a legitimate and democratic process that resulted in the election of Hon. Tracy Panton as the duly recognised Party Leader. Mr. Barrow’s proposal is an attempt to undermine that process, and we will not allow any individual to bypass the will of the delegates or the Party’s constitution.”

The statement also noted that Barrow has been unwilling to vacate his post, “despite the overwhelming mandate for change, but we will not compromise the Party’s future for personal interests or political games.”