Chess World Rocked: Aronian Publicly Appeals to Kramnik for Peace Amid Defamation Suit

Armenian Grandmaster Levon Aronian has penned an open letter to his friend and former World Champion, Vladimir Kramnik, urging reconciliation following a defamation lawsuit filed by Kramnik that has reverberated throughout the chess world.

Vladimir Kramnik in a file photo.

"Dear Vladimir Kramnik, forgive me for addressing you publicly," Aronian began, his words reflecting respect and concern rather than anger or criticism for the Russian chess legend.

The public appeal comes after Kramnik initiated a civil defamation case in Geneva against Chess.com, news outlet Chessdom, and Czech GM David Navara. Kramnik alleges that these parties defamed him following disagreements over alleged cheating in online chess.

Aronian's letter functions as both a personal tribute and a call for peace. He acknowledged Kramnik’s significant influence on his own chess career, referring to him as one of his "chess parents" and crediting Kramnik for shaping much of his chess understanding.

He reminisced about Kramnik’s renowned resilience, citing his victories against Garry Kasparov and Peter Leko, as well as the infamous "Toiletgate" match against Veselin Topalov, highlighting Kramnik’s strength and spirit in the face of adversity.

Aronian didn't avoid addressing what he perceives as a concerning shift in Kramnik's recent behavior. “You are fighting your own demons,” he wrote, recognizing the emotional strain Kramnik is experiencing as he crusades against alleged cheating in the online chess sphere.

Earlier this year, Kramnik suggested that Navara had cheated, leading Navara to publish a letter detailing the severe impact the accusations had on his mental well-being. Kramnik responded by demanding either legal action or silence, eventually resulting in the present lawsuit – a decision that has drawn criticism from the wider chess community.

Other grandmasters, such as Pavel Eljanov, have voiced their support for Navara, with Eljanov stating that “David is one of the most honest people in chess,” reflecting the widespread sentiment.

Aronian concluded his plea with a message of unity: “We are a family... let us start from a fresh page.” In a chess world currently divided, his message is unambiguous, emphasizing that while the chessboard may be black and white, people are more complex, and reconciliation remains a viable option.