Chess Star Aronian Pleads for Reconciliation with Kramnik Amid Defamation Suit

Armenian Grandmaster Levon Aronian has penned a deeply personal and public letter to his friend and former World Champion, Vladimir Kramnik, urging him toward reconciliation after Kramnik initiated a defamation lawsuit that has created significant controversy within the chess community.

Vladimir Kramnik (File Photo)

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

The open letter follows Kramnik's filing of a civil defamation case in Geneva against Chess.com, news outlet Chessdom, and Czech GM David Navara. Kramnik accuses them of defamation following a series of disputes concerning alleged cheating in online chess.

Aronian’s message functions as both a personal tribute and a call for de-escalation. He references Kramnik’s profound influence on his own career, describing him as one of his "chess parents" and acknowledging the former World Champion's significant impact on his chess development.

He reminisces about Kramnik's famed resilience, from his victories against Garry Kasparov and Peter Leko to the infamous "Toiletgate" match against Veselin Topalov, praising his strength and competitive spirit in the face of adversity.

However, Aronian directly addresses what he perceives as a worrying shift in Kramnik's recent behavior. "You are fighting your own demons," he wrote, acknowledging the emotional strain of Kramnik’s campaign against perceived widespread cheating in online chess.

The letter emerges after a period of turbulence. 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 health.

Kramnik responded by demanding either legal action or silence, eventually filing a lawsuit – a decision that has drawn criticism from many in the chess world.

Other grandmasters, such as Pavel Eljanov, have publicly voiced their support for Navara, with Eljanov stating that "David is one of the most honest people in chess," echoing the sentiments of many others.

Aronian's appeal concludes with a plea for unity: "We are a family... let us start from a fresh page." In a chess world currently marked by division, his message offers a simple reminder that despite the black and white squares of the board, human relationships are complex, and reconciliation remains a possibility.