Aronian Appeals to Kramnik for Reconciliation Amid Defamation Lawsuit

In a public letter filled with emotion and respect, Levon Aronian, the Armenian chess grandmaster, has appealed to Vladimir Kramnik, his friend and former World Champion, for reconciliation. This follows Kramnik's decision to file a defamation lawsuit that has created significant turbulence within the chess community.

Vladimir Kramnik in a file photo.

"Dear Vladimir Kramnik, forgive me for addressing you publicly," Aronian began, his tone reflecting concern rather than anger toward the Russian chess legend.

The open letter surfaces shortly after Kramnik initiated a civil defamation case in Geneva. The lawsuit targets Chess.com, the news site Chessdom, and Czech GM David Navara, all of whom Kramnik accuses of defamation related to public disagreements regarding alleged cheating in online chess.

Aronian's letter functions as both a personal tribute and a call for peace. He acknowledged Kramnik's profound impact on his career, referring to him as one of his "chess parents" and crediting him with shaping much of his chess understanding.

Aronian also reflected on Kramnik's famed resilience. He cited Kramnik's victories against Garry Kasparov and Peter Leko, as well as the infamous "Toiletgate" match against Veselin Topalov, highlighting Kramnik's strength and spirit when facing adversity.

However, Aronian did not avoid addressing what he perceives as a troubling shift in Kramnik's recent behavior. "You are fighting your own demons," he stated, recognizing the emotional strain Kramnik is experiencing due to his campaign against perceived cheating in online chess.

The letter follows a period of intense controversy. Earlier in the year, Kramnik suggested that Navara had cheated, leading Navara to publish a letter detailing the severe impact of these accusations on his mental health.

Kramnik responded by demanding either legal action or silence, ultimately leading to the lawsuit – a decision that has drawn criticism from many within the chess world.

Fellow Grandmasters, including Pavel Eljanov, have publicly voiced their support for Navara, with Eljanov stating that "David is one of the most honest people in chess," a sentiment widely shared.

Aronian concluded his plea with a message of unity: "We are a family... let us start from a fresh page." His message offers a clear path forward in a fractured chess environment: while the chessboard may be black and white, the individuals involved are far more complex, and reconciliation remains a possibility.