Aronian Seeks Reconciliation with Kramnik Amid Defamation Lawsuit Fallout

In a public letter filled with emotion and respect, Grandmaster Levon Aronian has appealed to his long-time friend and former World Champion, Vladimir Kramnik, for reconciliation. This comes after Kramnik initiated a defamation lawsuit that has created significant waves throughout the chess community.

Vladimir Kramnik in a file photo.

"Dear Vladimir Kramnik, forgive me for addressing you publicly," Aronian began, choosing a tone of deep respect rather than animosity or judgment towards the Russian chess icon.

The public appeal emerges shortly after Kramnik filed a civil defamation case in Geneva. The suit targets Chess.com, the news outlet Chessdom, and Czech GM David Navara, whom Kramnik accuses of defamation following a series of public disagreements regarding alleged cheating in online chess.

Aronian's letter functions as both a personal homage and a public call for peace. He reflects on Kramnik’s profound impact on his own career, referring to him as one of his "chess parents" and acknowledging the substantial influence the former World Champion has had on his chess development.

He also reflects on Kramnik's career—from his victories over Garry Kasparov and Peter Leko to the controversial "Toiletgate" match against Veselin Topalov—praising his strength and spirit in the face of adversity.

However, Aronian does not avoid addressing what he perceives as a disturbing shift in Kramnik's recent behavior. “You are fighting your own demons,” he writes, acknowledging the emotional weight of Kramnik’s battle against what he believes to be widespread cheating in online chess.

This letter follows a period of intense conflict. Earlier in the year, Kramnik suggested that Navara had cheated, prompting Navara to release a letter detailing the severe impact these accusations had on his mental well-being.

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

Other 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 many others.

Aronian concludes his plea with a message of unity: “We are a family... let us start from a fresh page.” In a chess world currently divided, his message is clear: while the chessboard may be black and white, human relationships are far more complex, and reconciliation remains a possibility.