Aronian Seeks Peace with Kramnik After Defamation Suit: Grandmaster Appeals to Former Champion Amidst Cheating Controversy

In a deeply personal and public appeal, Grandmaster Levon Aronian has penned a letter to his friend and former World Champion, Vladimir Kramnik, seeking reconciliation after Kramnik initiated a defamation lawsuit. The move has sent ripples through the chess community.

Vladimir Kramnik (File Photo)

Addressing Kramnik with respect, Aronian's letter began, "Dear Vladimir Kramnik, forgive me for addressing you publicly."

The plea comes shortly after Kramnik filed a civil defamation case in Geneva against Chess.com, Chessdom, and Czech GM David Navara, alleging defamation stemming from disputes over purported cheating in online chess.

Aronian's letter functions as both a tribute and an intervention. He acknowledged Kramnik’s profound 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 recalled Kramnik’s victories, notably against Garry Kasparov and Peter Leko, as well as the controversial "Toiletgate" match against Veselin Topalov, commending his strength and resilience.

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

The letter follows a period of tension, with Kramnik earlier implying that Navara had cheated, leading Navara to release a letter detailing the accusations' detrimental impact on his mental health.

Kramnik responded by demanding legal action or silence, ultimately filing a lawsuit that has drawn criticism from within the chess world.

Other Grandmasters, including Pavel Eljanov, have voiced support for Navara, with Eljanov stating, "David is one of the most honest people in chess."

Aronian concluded his appeal with a message of unity: “We are a family... let us start from a fresh page.” He emphasized the potential for reconciliation within the chess community.