Vladimir Kramnik hits back at critics after being blamed for Daniel Naroditsky's death: 'Constantly receiving direct threats'

Vladimir Kramnik has found himself cornered on social media ever since American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky tragically passed away at the age of 29 on Sunday. Kramnik, after all, has been waging a crusade of sorts against what he perceives to be cheating in the sport, and Naroditsky – popularly known as ‘Danya’ – was among the players he had targeted with cheating allegations without ever providing evidence to back his claims.

Naroditsky’s tragic demise, however, has now put the spotlight on Kramnik and his campaign with several leading players including Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura slamming him for his actions and even FIDE getting involved in the matter.

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GM So joins the chorus against Kramnik

Filipino-American GM Wesley So joined the chorus against Kramnik recently, describing his recent response to Naroditsky’s passing – in which his first reaction was to link his demise to “some serious drugs” and “chess mafia” – as “cold and heartless”.

“Just to add my 2 cents. I think and in my opinion Kramnik’s response to Daniel’s passing was cold and heartless. I didn’t want to say anything in the beginning because it is not my place and Vlad has always been great towards me but things have gotten too far. In my personal view what was done and happened to Naroditsky was just shockingly and disturbingly evil and horrific. You wouldn’t wish that to happen to your worst enemy,” So wrote on X.

“Let’s say for a moment that Danya cheated (which I never believed). Would it be worth it to ruin a beautiful young life over a game? What was his soul worth? @VBkramnik , are you done? Maybe its not too late to just stop and fix/make things better. You are a living legend to this game. The chess world is not your enemy,” he added.

Russian GM hits back at tirade of criticism

Kramnik, meanwhile, has been on the defensive since Naroditsky’s tragic demise on Sunday, and responded to So’s social media post by claiming that people are blaming him for the tragedy without knowing full details.

“Dear Wesley, with all my respect towards you, falsely stating that “I ruined his life” not even knowing circumstances and cause of his death, is truly undecent and, forgive me, also illegal. What you and others are doing now is ten times worse and can have dramatic consequences,” the former world champion wrote in reply.

“For me and my family, since I am constantly receiving direct threats on top of insults and slander. In case something happens to us, YOU will also be partly responsible for that, do you understand? Where is your Christian morality? Didnt expect from you, but still with respect.

“My 12 yo son had a nervous breakdown today, had to visit a doctor. What are you doing, people? You falsely blame me for something and at the same second doing ten times worth slanderous campaign that is extremely dangerous. What is in your minds and souls, if any,” he added.