Aronian Appeals to Kramnik for Peace Amid Defamation Lawsuit Fallout

In a moving public letter, Grandmaster Levon Aronian has appealed to his former mentor and World Champion Vladimir Kramnik for reconciliation. The plea comes in the wake of a defamation lawsuit filed by Kramnik that has stirred controversy within the chess community.

Vladimir Kramnik (File Photo)

Aronian's letter, shared on social media, addresses Kramnik with respect and concern, despite the ongoing dispute. "Dear Vladimir Kramnik, forgive me for addressing you publicly," Aronian begins, setting a tone of reconciliation rather than confrontation.

The legal action initiated by Kramnik in Geneva targets Chess.com, news outlet Chessdom, and Czech GM David Navara. Kramnik accuses them of defamation following public disagreements regarding alleged cheating in online chess.

Aronian's message acts as both a personal homage and a public intervention. He acknowledges Kramnik's significant impact on his chess career, referring to him as one of his "chess parents" and attributing much of his chess understanding to the former champion.

He also reflects on Kramnik's past achievements, highlighting victories against Garry Kasparov and Peter Leko, and even the infamous "Toiletgate" controversy against Veselin Topalov. Aronian praises Kramnik's resilience and spirit during these challenging times.

Aronian doesn’t avoid addressing what he perceives as a troubling shift in Kramnik's recent behavior. “You are fighting your own demons,” he writes, acknowledging the emotional strain of Kramnik's crusade against alleged online cheating.

The letter emerges after Kramnik's accusations against Navara earlier this year. Navara responded with a letter detailing the severe impact of these accusations on his mental well-being. Kramnik demanded legal action or silence, leading to the current lawsuit and subsequent criticism from the chess community.

Grandmasters such as Pavel Eljanov have voiced their support for Navara, with Eljanov stating that “David is one of the most honest people in chess.”

Aronian concludes his heartfelt plea with a call for unity: "We are a family... let us start from a fresh page.” His message emphasizes that despite disagreements, reconciliation is possible in the chess world.