# Scott Wiener AI chatbot controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/scott-wiener-ai-chatbot-controversy
> Updated: 2026-08-08T17:12:06.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

California State Senator Scott Wiener's campaign released an AI chatbot, ConnieChan.ai, designed to mimic rival Supervisor Connie Chan. The tool drew widespread condemnation after it generated a response mocking Chan's accent, leading to accusations of sexism and racism.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and several other female elected officials issued a letter describing the bot as a "gross misuse of technology" that reinforces harmful racial stereotypes. While Wiener's team claimed the offensive output was caused by coordinated attempts to provoke the bot, the controversy intensified during a competitive race for Pelosi's former congressional seat. Following the criticism, Wiener removed the parody chatbot.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-08: Scott Wiener removes parody AI chatbot after Nancy Pelosi's criticism

State Senator Scott Wiener removed a parody AI chatbot targeting candidate Connie Chan after Nancy Pelosi condemned the tool as sexist and racist.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/scott-wiener-removes-parody-ai-chatbot-after-nancy-pelosis-criticism

### 2026-08-06: Scott Wiener AI chatbot controversy draws Pelosi criticism

Scott Wiener’s AI chatbot mocking Supervisor Connie Chan sparked a Pelosi‑led letter denouncing it as sexist and racist amid a tight congressional race.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/scott-wiener-ai-chatbot-controversy-draws-pelosi-criticism

---
Cite as: Scott Wiener AI chatbot controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/scott-wiener-ai-chatbot-controversy