A Greek woman has filed for divorce after using ChatGPT to interpret coffee grounds, a practice rooted in the centuries-old art of tasseography. The artificial intelligence tool allegedly suggested that her husband of 12 years was involved with a younger woman, prompting the mother of two to take decisive legal action.
Tasseography, the traditional method of reading coffee grounds to uncover personal insights or predict future events, has long been a cherished ritual in Greek culture. Typically performed by skilled practitioners, the process involves interpreting the patterns left in a cup after coffee is consumed, often considering the foam, swirls, and even the saucer. These readings have given generations glimpses into love, family, and fortune.
In this instance, however, the woman opted for a modern approach. According to reports from Greek City Times and Vice, she uploaded photos of the coffee grounds from her and her husband’s cups to ChatGPT and asked the AI to analyze them.
The tool, known for its text-based capabilities, reportedly interpreted the husband’s cup as evidence of an affair with a younger woman whose name starts with “E,” suggesting this individual was attempting to disrupt their family. The wife’s cup, meanwhile, allegedly revealed signs of betrayal and domestic turmoil. Convinced by the AI’s analysis, the woman decided to end her 12-year marriage, a choice that has since drawn widespread attention.
The husband appeared on To Proino to share his perspective, painting a picture of an initially lighthearted moment that spiraled into a serious conflict. He explained that his wife had playfully suggested using ChatGPT to “read” their Greek coffee cups, an idea he found amusing then. However, the mood shifted dramatically when the AI’s interpretation pointed to infidelity.
Dismissing the suggestion as “baseless nonsense,” the husband laughed off the AI’s claims during his television appearance. He refused to entertain the idea of a mutual separation, believing the interpretation lacked credibility. Despite his stance, his wife took the AI’s warning to heart. Reports indicate she asked him to leave their home, informed their two children of the divorce, and served him with formal divorce papers just three days after his refusal.
Adding context to his wife’s decision, the husband noted a prior instance where she had followed an astrologer’s predictions for a full year. This history, he suggested, might explain her willingness to trust ChatGPT’s unconventional reading.
As cited by Greek City Times, the husband’s lawyer was unequivocal: interpretations from tools like ChatGPT have no legal standing.
“My client is innocent until proven otherwise,”
the lawyer argued, emphasizing that without tangible evidence—such as communication records or witness accounts—the AI’s claims are inadmissible in court.
Greek City Times interviewed experts in the field who pointed out that authentic coffee readings extend beyond the grounds themselves.
“Traditional methods involve analyzing foam patterns, swirls, and the coffee saucer,”
One seasoned reader explained. ”Photographing sludge and feeding it to AI deviates from standard practice.” This discrepancy underscores the potential for misinterpretation when relying on technology for such tasks.
As of May 15, 2025, the lack of updates suggests the legal battle may still be in its early stages, with the potential for further developments in Greek courts. Regardless of the outcome, the story has sparked a vital conversation about the need for public education on AI’s limitations. “This is a wake-up call,” a commentator on Vice remarked.
“AI can be a powerful tool, but it’s not a replacement for human judgment—especially in matters of the heart.”
