Aronian Urges Kramnik to Reconsider Defamation Suit in Open Letter

In a public display of emotion and concern, Grandmaster Levon Aronian has penned an open letter to Vladimir Kramnik, urging his former mentor and friend to reconsider his recent legal actions. The letter arrives after Kramnik initiated a defamation lawsuit that has stirred controversy within the global chess community.

Aronian's letter, shared via social media, begins with a respectful tone: “Dear Vladimir Kramnik, forgive me for addressing you publicly.” This opening acknowledges the sensitivity of the situation.

The lawsuit filed by Kramnik in Geneva targets Chess.com, Chessdom, and Czech Grandmaster David Navara. Kramnik alleges that these parties have defamed him following disagreements regarding online chess and accusations of cheating.

Aronian’s heartfelt message serves as both a personal testament to Kramnik's influence and a plea for de-escalation. He describes Kramnik as one of his "chess parents," highlighting the significant impact the former World Champion had on his chess development.

He reflects upon Kramnik's past accomplishments, including his victories against Garry Kasparov and Peter Leko, as well as his resilience during the infamous "Toiletgate" match against Veselin Topalov. Aronian praises Kramnik’s strength in the face of adversity.

Aronian directly addresses what he perceives as a troubling shift in Kramnik’s behavior. “You are fighting your own demons,” he writes, recognizing the emotional strain Kramnik is under due to his strong stance against alleged cheating in online chess.

The context for this letter includes an earlier incident where Kramnik indirectly accused Navara of cheating. This prompted Navara to publicly discuss the detrimental effects of these accusations on his mental well-being.

Kramnik then demanded either legal action or silence, ultimately leading to the current lawsuit, a decision that has met with criticism from many within the chess world.

Grandmasters such as Pavel Eljanov have voiced their support for Navara, with Eljanov stating, “David is one of the most honest people in chess,” a sentiment echoed by numerous others.

Aronian concludes his letter with a message of unity, stating, “We are a family... let us start from a fresh page.” In a chess world facing division, his call for reconciliation emphasizes the importance of human relationships over disputes.