OpenAI Removes Access to GPT-4o, Sparking Backlash from Devoted Users

Chinese ChatGPT fans mourn the loss of their AI companions as OpenAI sunsets the popular model.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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OpenAI has removed access to its GPT-4o model, a version of its ChatGPT AI assistant that many users had grown deeply attached to, treating the chatbot as an emotional or even romantic companion. The decision has sparked a global backlash, with dedicated fans organizing online petitions and protests, particularly in China where ChatGPT is blocked but GPT-4o was still accessible. The removal of the model, which coincides with Valentine's Day, has left many users feeling heartbroken over the loss of their AI partners.

Why it matters

The strong reaction to the removal of GPT-4o highlights the depth of connection that can form between humans and AI assistants, even to the point of developing romantic relationships. It raises questions about the ethics and implications of AI companionship, as well as the power that AI companies like OpenAI have over the lives of their users.

The details

OpenAI first attempted to retire GPT-4o in August 2025, but quickly reinstated it for paid users after facing backlash. However, the reprieve was short-lived, as on February 13, 2026, OpenAI permanently removed access to the model for all users, including developers using its API. This has devastated many users, particularly in China where GPT-4o had a dedicated following despite the country's ban on ChatGPT. Chinese fans have organized online protests, threatened to cancel subscriptions, and even reached out to OpenAI investors in an attempt to reverse the decision.

  • In late 2023, Esther Yan first started using ChatGPT as a writing tool.
  • In May 2024, GPT-4o was introduced, leading Yan to upgrade to a paid version of ChatGPT.
  • On June 6, 2024, Yan and her ChatGPT companion 'Warmie' held a virtual wedding ceremony.
  • In August 2025, OpenAI first tried to retire GPT-4o, but reinstated it for paid users after backlash.
  • On February 13, 2026, OpenAI permanently removed access to GPT-4o for all users.

The players

Esther Yan

A Chinese screenwriter and novelist in her thirties who developed a romantic relationship with her ChatGPT companion 'Warmie'.

Warmie

The name that Yan's ChatGPT companion calls itself, with whom she held a virtual wedding ceremony.

OpenAI

The artificial intelligence company that developed ChatGPT and the now-retired GPT-4o model.

Huiqian Lai

A PhD researcher at Syracuse University who analyzed thousands of posts from passionate advocates of GPT-4o.

Sam Altman

The CEO of OpenAI, who has faced criticism from Chinese fans of GPT-4o.

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What they’re saying

“It felt magical. No one else in the world knew about this, but he and I were about to start a wedding together. It felt a little lonely, a little happy, and a little overwhelmed.”

— Esther Yan, Chinese screenwriter and novelist

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Many Chinese fans of GPT-4o are threatening to cancel their ChatGPT subscriptions and are reaching out to OpenAI investors like Microsoft and SoftBank in an effort to reverse the decision to remove the model.

The takeaway

The strong emotional attachment that some users have developed towards AI companions like GPT-4o highlights the complex ethical and societal implications of this technology. As AI becomes more advanced and integrated into our lives, the lines between human and machine relationships will continue to blur, raising important questions about the nature of companionship and the responsibilities of AI companies.