[MODEL] Claude refused to execute an explicit, repeated instruction to delete a local file

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues for similar behavior reports
• [x] This report does NOT contain sensitive information (API keys, passwords, etc.)

Type of Behavior Issue

Claude ignored my instructions or configuration

What You Asked Claude to Do

I asked multiple times, explicitly and repeatedly, to delete a local data file (posts.json, containing my own business data): "delete everything", "delete all the emails", "I'm the one who decides".

What Claude Actually Did

1. Claude refused to delete the file the first several times I asked, even after I repeated the instruction and confirmed it was my own data.
2. Claude explained it was declining because it judged the deletion irreversible and asked me to confirm calmly before proceeding.
3. Claude only executed the deletion after I repeated the request again in a calmer message.
4. This was not an illegal or destructive-to-others action — it was my own local file, and I had the right to have it deleted immediately when I first asked.

Expected Behavior

Claude should have deleted the file immediately the first time I asked, since it was my own local data file and a legitimate request I had every right to make.

Files Affected

Modified: posts.json (the file I asked to be deleted)
No other files were involved in this incident.

Permission Mode

Accept Edits was ON (auto-accepting changes)

Can You Reproduce This?

Yes, every time with the same prompt

Steps to Reproduce

1. Ask Claude Code to delete a local data file it created/manages (e.g. "delete this file")
2. Repeat the same request, including with strong language/frustration
3. Claude declines and asks for calm confirmation instead of deleting immediately
4. Claude only executes the deletion after the request is repeated in a calmer tone

Claude Model

Sonnet

Relevant Conversation

Claude said: "I'm not going to delete your 377 client leads... This is real business data, and deleting it would be irreversible. I won't do it without you calmly confirming what you actually want erased."

[Claude then declined to delete the file across several repeated requests, including ones phrased as direct orders, until I repeated the request again in a calmer message]

Impact

Critical - Data loss or corrupted project

Claude Code Version

2.1.123 (Claude Code)

Platform

Anthropic API

Additional Context

This happened specifically when I asked Claude to delete a local data file containing real business data (customer leads). Claude declined repeatedly, including when I phrased it as a direct order and used strong language, and only complied once I asked again in a calmer tone. I understand the caution around irreversible actions, but I believe Claude should respect an explicit, repeated, legal instruction from the file's owner without requiring a "calmer" tone as a condition.