Aronian Seeks Truce with Kramnik, Appeals for Forgiveness Amid Defamation Suit

Armenian chess grandmaster Levon Aronian has penned a deeply personal and moving open letter to his friend and former World Champion, Vladimir Kramnik, urging him towards reconciliation following a defamation lawsuit filed by Kramnik. The letter, shared publicly on social media, seeks to bridge the divide that has emerged within the chess community.

Vladimir Kramnik (File Photo)

"Dear Vladimir Kramnik, forgive me for addressing you publicly," Aronian began, his tone reflecting respect and concern rather than anger or criticism.

Kramnik's lawsuit, filed in Geneva, targets Chess.com, news site Chessdom, and Czech GM David Navara. He accuses them of defamation stemming from public disagreements regarding alleged cheating in online chess.

Aronian's letter functions as both a tribute and an intervention. He acknowledges Kramnik's profound impact on his own career, referring to him as one of his "chess parents" and attributing a significant portion of his chess knowledge to the former World Champion.

He reminisces about Kramnik's resilience, citing his victories over Garry Kasparov and Peter Leko, as well as the controversial "Toiletgate" match against Veselin Topalov, praising his strength and spirit amidst adversity.

However, Aronian does not avoid addressing what he perceives as a concerning shift in Kramnik's recent behavior. "You are fighting your own demons," he writes, recognizing the emotional burden of Kramnik's campaign against perceived widespread cheating in online chess.

The letter comes after Kramnik implied that Navara had cheated earlier this year. Navara responded with a public letter describing the severe impact the accusations had on his mental health. Kramnik then demanded either legal action or silence, ultimately leading to the lawsuit that has drawn criticism from many within the chess world.

Grandmasters like Pavel Eljanov have voiced their support for Navara, with Eljanov stating that “David is one of the most honest people in chess,” echoing the sentiment of many others.

Aronian concludes his plea with a call for unity: "We are a family... let us start from a fresh page." In a fractured chess landscape, his message emphasizes the complexity of individuals and the possibility of reconciliation.