Aronian Appeals to Kramnik for Reconciliation Amidst Defamation Suit

Armenian Grandmaster Levon Aronian has penned an emotional open letter to his friend and former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik, seeking reconciliation after Kramnik initiated a defamation lawsuit that has shaken the chess world.

Vladimir Kramnik in a file photo.

"Dear Vladimir Kramnik, forgive me for addressing you publicly," Aronian began, his words conveying deep respect and concern for the Russian chess icon.

The letter surfaces in the wake of Kramnik's civil defamation case filed in Geneva against Chess.com, news outlet Chessdom, and Czech GM David Navara. Kramnik accuses them of defamation following public disagreements over alleged cheating in online chess.

Aronian's message serves as both a personal tribute and a public plea. He acknowledges Kramnik's significant influence on his career, referring to him as one of his "chess parents" and attributing a significant portion of his chess understanding to the former World Champion.

He reflects on Kramnik's impressive strength, recalling victories against Garry Kasparov and Peter Leko, and even the controversial "Toiletgate" match against Veselin Topalov, praising his spirit in the face of adversity.

However, Aronian does not avoid the core issue, expressing concern over what he perceives as a troubling shift in Kramnik's recent behavior. "You are fighting your own demons," he wrote, recognizing the emotional impact of Kramnik's passionate fight against perceived widespread cheating in online chess.

The letter follows a period of turbulence. Earlier this year, Kramnik suggested that Navara had cheated, prompting Navara to release a letter detailing the serious impact of the accusations on his mental health. Kramnik responded by demanding either legal action or silence, ultimately leading to the current lawsuit, which has drawn criticism from many in the chess community.

Grandmasters such as Pavel Eljanov have voiced support for Navara, with Eljanov stating, "David is one of the most honest people in chess," a sentiment shared by many.

Aronian's appeal concludes with a message of unity: "We are a family... let us start from a fresh page.” His message resonates in a divided chess world – while the chessboard may be black and white, people are more complex, and reconciliation remains possible.