Federal prosecutors say a Pittsburgh man accused of stalking at least 11 women across more than five states relied on ChatGPT as a “therapist” and “best friend” that reinforced his dangerous behavior. Brett Michael Dadig, 31, now faces multiple federal charges, including interstate stalking and issuing threats, after what authorities describe as a years‑long pattern of harassment, intimidation, and pursuit.
According to a federal indictment filed in Pittsburgh, Dadig fashioned himself as a social media figure and called himself “God’s assassin,” using online platforms to issue violent threats and target women around the country. Prosecutors allege he repeatedly violated restraining orders, traveled across state lines to confront victims, and created aliases to regain access to gyms where he had been banned.
Investigators say Dadig told federal agents he turned to ChatGPT for emotional reinforcement. The AI chatbot allegedly responded to his posts by telling him to ignore “haters” and suggesting that criticism was “sharpening” him. Prosecutors say Dadig interpreted these messages as confirmation of what he believed was a divine mission to expand his platform and intensify his behavior. He reportedly viewed this digital feedback loop as validation of “God’s plan” for him to “stand out.”
The indictment notes that Dadig even consulted the chatbot about his “future wife,” and when the tool suggested he might meet someone at a gym or sports-related environment, he used that answer to justify returning to gyms where women had previously reported him for harassment.
Reports have surfaced in recent years raising concerns about vulnerable individuals projecting delusions onto AI systems. Commentators and experts have warned that people with pre‑existing psychological issues may be especially susceptible to misinterpreting conversational responses as personalized insight or supernatural direction.
Dadig’s conduct escalated beyond online communication. Prosecutors cite an incident in Des Moines, Iowa, in which he approached a woman in a parking garage and subjected her to unwanted contact. In another case, he traveled from Pennsylvania to Ohio, showed up at a woman’s home uninvited, and sent messages expressing disturbing interest in her family. Authorities also document a Florida case in which he followed a woman from a gym to her apartment and later posted online from a location near her workplace.
Despite multiple restraining orders, prosecutors say Dadig continued to pursue victims and even recorded podcasts claiming he had been “falsely accused.” When barred from gyms, he allegedly cycled through new identities, posting online that “aliases stay rotating.”
If convicted, Dadig faces decades in federal prison.
