Grandmaster Aronian Pleads with Kramnik for Amends Amid Defamation Lawsuit Fallout

Aronian Appeals to Kramnik for Reconciliation Amid Defamation Lawsuit

In a public letter filled with emotion, Armenian chess grandmaster Levon Aronian has implored his longtime friend and former World Champion, Vladimir Kramnik, to reconcile after Kramnik initiated a defamation lawsuit that has shaken the chess world.

Vladimir Kramnik (File Photo)

"Dear Vladimir Kramnik, forgive me for addressing you publicly," Aronian wrote, approaching the Russian chess icon not with anger but with profound respect and concern.

This open letter surfaces just days after Kramnik filed a civil defamation case in Geneva against Chess.com, the news outlet Chessdom, and Czech GM David Navara. Kramnik accuses them of defaming him following disputes over alleged cheating in online chess.

Aronian's letter is a personal tribute and a public appeal. He acknowledges Kramnik's profound influence on his career, referring to him as one of his "chess parents" and attributing a significant portion of his chess knowledge to the former World Champion.

He reflects on Kramnik’s career highlights – from his victories over Garry Kasparov and Peter Leko to the controversial "Toiletgate" match against Veselin Topalov – highlighting his strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

However, Aronian directly addresses what he perceives as a concerning shift in Kramnik's recent behavior. “You are fighting your own demons,” he wrote, recognizing the emotional strain of Kramnik's battle against perceived widespread cheating in online chess.

The letter follows a period of increased tension, with Kramnik previously suggesting that Navara had cheated. This prompted Navara to release a letter detailing the severe impact the accusations had on his mental well-being.

Kramnik responded by demanding either legal action or silence, ultimately filing a lawsuit—a decision that has triggered criticism from across the chess community.

Fellow grandmasters, such as Pavel Eljanov, have publicly voiced their support for Navara, with Eljanov stating, “David is one of the most honest people in chess," a sentiment widely shared.

Aronian concludes his plea with a call for unity: "We are a family... let us start from a fresh page.” In a chess world divided by accusations and legal battles, Aronian's message is a reminder that despite the black and white squares of the board, human relationships are complex, and reconciliation remains a possibility.