Aronian Appeals to Kramnik for Reconciliation After Defamation Lawsuit Sparks Chess World Rift

Levon Aronian Pens Open Letter to Vladimir Kramnik Amid Defamation Lawsuit

In a deeply personal and publicly shared letter, Armenian Grandmaster Levon Aronian has appealed to his longtime friend and former World Champion, Vladimir Kramnik, for reconciliation following a defamation lawsuit filed by Kramnik. The suit has created considerable controversy within the chess community.

Vladimir Kramnik (File Photo)

“Dear Vladimir Kramnik, forgive me for addressing you publicly,” Aronian began, demonstrating respect and concern for the Russian chess legend rather than anger or criticism.

Aronian's open letter follows Kramnik's filing of a civil defamation case in Geneva against Chess.com, news site Chessdom, and Czech GM David Navara. Kramnik alleges they defamed him following public disputes regarding supposed cheating in online chess.

Aronian's letter functions as both a personal tribute and a public intervention. He acknowledges Kramnik’s significant influence on his chess career, referring to him as one of his “chess parents” and attributing much of his chess understanding to the former World Champion.

He reflects on Kramnik’s renowned resilience, from his victories over Garry Kasparov and Peter Leko to the contentious “Toiletgate” match against Veselin Topalov. Aronian praises Kramnik's strength and spirit 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, acknowledging the emotional strain of Kramnik’s battle against perceived widespread cheating in online chess.

The letter emerges after Kramnik earlier this year insinuated that Navara had cheated, prompting Navara to publish a letter detailing the severe impact the accusations had on his mental health.

Kramnik responded by demanding legal action or silence, eventually filing the aforementioned lawsuit. This action has triggered criticism from various members of the chess community.

Grandmasters such as Pavel Eljanov have publicly voiced their support for Navara, accusing Kramnik of overstepping boundaries. “David is one of the most honest people in chess,” Eljanov stated, reflecting the feelings of many others.

Aronian concludes his appeal with a call for unity: “We are a family... let us start from a fresh page.” In a chess world currently divided, his message is unambiguous: while the chessboard may be black and white, people are more nuanced, and reconciliation remains a possibility.