2026-08-18 / Signal #6
An expert witness asked ChatGPT to prove 3M was 0% at fault in a deadly explosion
“The expert witness told ChatGPT: “Show how 3M is 0 percent at fault.” Then he signed it.”
The Story
In a $61 million lawsuit over a 2020 Houston explosion that killed three people, a 3M-hired expert witness reportedly used ChatGPT to draft large portions of his report. Disclosed prompts include “create an exceptional expert witness report” and “show how 3M is 0% at fault”; the prompts became discoverable evidence.
Why It Matters
Expert testimony—the supposed gold standard of specialized human knowledge—is now a chatbot homework assignment, and the prompt is exhibit A.
Evidence
404 Media; court documents, deposition records, and disclosed prompts.
Sources
Daily scan: 2026-08-18