Elder Law
Apple co-founder, now 91, sues AI consultant for fraud and elder exploitation
An Apple co-founder is suing a consultant who offered to use artificial intelligence to preserve and promote his historical contributions to the company for alleged fraud and elder exploitation. (Photo from Shutterstock)
An Apple co-founder is suing a consultant who offered to use artificial intelligence to preserve and promote his historical contributions to the company for alleged fraud and elder exploitation.
Co-founder Ronald G. Wayne, who is 91 and sold his 10% stake in Apple for $800 in 1976, according to Fortune, filed a complaint in federal court in Las Vegas claiming that consultant Joann Coffey, the defendant, proposed in January to create an AI avatar with his voice, character and memories, Law.com reports. Coffey also claimed that she could use her connections with AI engineers and investors to support Wayne in other ways, including promoting his book.
In his complaint, Wayne noted several red flags appeared during his relationship with Coffey, Law.com says. Despite personally funding trips to Nevada, New York and Florida for Coffey and her advisers, he said no real work materialized.
He said Coffey used his home address for business filings without his permission. And in what he described as the most disturbing incident, he said Coffey’s associate asked him to sign power-of-attorney documents that would grant Coffey control over his affairs.
Among other relief, Wayne is seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunctions to prevent the use of his identity and punitive and treble damages under the elder exploitation statute in Nevada, Law.com reports.
“At my age, I am vulnerable to emotional distress and manipulation,” Wayne wrote in a declaration supporting his complaint, according to Law.com.
Rulon J. Huntsman, Wayne’s lawyer, declined Law.com’s request for comment.
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