The former world champion has broken his silence after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.
Kramnik's Statement
The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any individual targeting.
"Regardless of our differences, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."
Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.
Investigation Details
The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a police report issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."
"On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medic."
Chess World Response
Anger over Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".
Naroditsky's Legacy
A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, placing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.
Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.
Organizational Statements
The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Sutovsky stated. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.
Federation president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".
"Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."
Loved Ones' Wish
Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us".
- In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist.
- In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
- In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
- Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.
