Why Cluely AI Got Its Developer Suspended – The Columbia University Case
In early 2025, a controversy erupted at Columbia University that sparked national debate about AI in education, ethics, and the future of student integrity. At the center of this storm was Cluely AI—an artificial intelligence tool designed to give users real-time assistance in interviews, exams, and sales scenarios.
But why did Cluely AI’s developer, Chungin “Roy” Lee, get suspended from Columbia? Was it simply for creating an AI tool—or for how it was used?
In this blog post, we dive deep into the Columbia Cluely AI controversy, the official suspension reasons, legal implications, investor reactions, and how the story redefined what it means to “Cheat on Everything” in the AI age.
Background: What is Cluely AI?
Before the scandal, Cluely AI began as a project called Interview Coder, created by Roy Lee to help users answer live job interview questions using stealth AI prompts.
Later, it evolved into Cluely AI—an advanced, real-time AI assistant that can be used in:
- Job Interviews
- Sales Calls
- Certification Exams
- Online Tests & School Exams
- Everyday Conversations
You can learn more about its functionality via Cluely AI Features and try it out through Cluely AI login.
Why Was the Developer Suspended from Columbia?
🔹 Accusation 1: Facilitating Academic Dishonesty
Initially, Columbia University launched disciplinary action claiming Roy’s app violated their academic integrity policies by enabling students and candidates to cheat on exams using AI and cheat on interviews using AI.
Though the tool wasn’t used directly in Columbia coursework, its implications raised red flags.
🔹 Accusation 2: Recording and Sharing Disciplinary Hearing
The actual suspension was due to Roy Lee recording and posting a disciplinary hearing and sharing internal photos of university staff—which breached Columbia’s privacy and conduct codes.
This subtle distinction reveals how the Is Cluely AI legal? debate isn’t black and white—it’s not illegal to create a cheating tool, but how it’s promoted and used can violate institutional rules.
Turning Controversy Into Funding Success
Surprisingly, the suspension did not halt Roy’s progress—it became a launchpad. After going public with the story and rebranding to Cluely AI, his startup:
- Raised $5.3 million in seed funding (Abstract Ventures, Susa Ventures)
- Secured $15 million in Series A, led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)
Cluely quickly became one of the fastest-growing AI tools in 2025, despite—or because of—the controversy.
What Makes Cluely AI Different?
Compared to alternatives like ChatGPT, Cluely is built for stealth and performance during real-time events. It integrates with browsers, voice input, and screen overlays to provide coaching without being detected.
A detailed comparison is available in our Cluely AI vs ChatGPT post.
Notable student-focused features include:
- Live multiple-choice exam support
- Stealth overlay for coding interviews
- Essay writing assistance
- Real-time sales pitch improvement via Cluely AI for Sales Teams
Ethical, Legal & Educational Implications
Redefining Cheating
Roy Lee argues that using Cluely is no different from using a calculator, Grammarly, or Google. But many disagree, especially in academic and hiring contexts.
This is a key issue in our Cluely AI for HR Professionals – Use It or Ban It? article, where HR leaders debate its ethical use.
Is It Really Cheating?
Using Cluely during tests or job interviews blurs the line between learning support and intellectual dishonesty. Some institutions are updating their policies to ban such AI use, while others are embracing it under AI literacy programs.
Read our coverage of How to Use Cluely AI to Pass Certification Exams like PMP, AWS, IELTS, and more—where legality depends on context.
Mixed Reviews and Performance Concerns
Not all feedback has been positive. Journalists from Business Insider and TechCrunch tested Cluely AI and reported:
- Laggy performance in real-time environments
- Hallucinated answers
- Privacy concerns over microphone/screen access
We analyzed this in our Cluely AI Review and also suggested the best Cluely AI alternatives for those seeking accuracy over stealth.
Top Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
| Developer | Chungin “Roy” Lee |
| Tool Purpose | AI assistant for interviews, exams, and sales |
| Reason for Suspension | Recording disciplinary hearing + sharing university staff images |
| Legal Violation? | Not illegal, but against university policies |
| Funding | $20.3M raised (seed + Series A) |
| Key Features | Stealth overlays, live suggestions, speech-to-text AI support |
| Best Use Cases | Exams, interviews, certifications, real-time communication |
Final Thoughts
The Columbia University vs. Cluely AI case is not just about one developer’s suspension—it’s about a global debate:
Is AI a learning enhancer or a tool for cheating?
With education and hiring systems struggling to adapt, Cluely AI represents both a warning and a glimpse into the future of tech-powered performance.
For now, institutions may penalize its use, but in the long term, expect a larger conversation about how AI like Cluely will reshape how we define intelligence, effort, and merit.