Russian Chess Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik Rejects Responsibility for Daniel Naroditsky’s Death, Doubles Down on Cheating Allegations
Russian chess grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik is rejecting responsibility for the tragic death of American chess prodigy Daniel Naroditsky and has doubled down on the cheating allegations that many believe contributed to Naroditsky’s fatal downward spiral.
The former World Chess Champion, known for his outspoken nature, posted a bizarre official statement on social media this past Saturday. His message came after the chess community—and even Naroditsky’s mother—pointed fingers at Kramnik for nearly two years of unfounded cheating accusations that allegedly took a deep toll on the beloved U.S. grandmaster’s mental state in the time leading up to his death on Wednesday.
“I have never made any personal attack or insult towards Daniel Naroditsky,” Kramnik wrote. Yet, throughout his career, Kramnik has repeatedly questioned the integrity of the upright and ethical chess master.
Contradicting his initial claim, Kramnik further stated that he possesses “a significant amount of evidence” supporting his allegations that Naroditsky violated fair play rules. He went on to say he is “ready to provide these materials to any relevant authority,” reinforcing his position despite the backlash.
In a tone-deaf conclusion to his statement, Kramnik claimed that, since Naroditsky’s demise, he has been the target of a harassment campaign. He also took the opportunity to publicly assure everyone of his well-being, stating, “Finally, with full responsibility, I want to state that I am in good physical and mental condition and under no circumstances am I planning to take my own life.”
Daniel Naroditsky was found unresponsive in his North Carolina home on October 19. Authorities are investigating his death as a possible suicide or drug overdose.
Grieving mother Elena Naroditsky expressed that the mental anguish caused by the cheating allegations from Kramnik—who was once one of her son’s idols—became too much for Daniel to bear.
“There was nothing more important to Daniel than his dignity as a chess player. And the ex-world champion was trying to say he was a cheater,” she told the DailyMail. “Daniel tried to defend himself so much. He played more and did more and more because he was trying to prove that he’s not what he was accused of.”
Kramnik has a notable history of making baseless claims against younger, rising stars in the chess world. Even Hikaru Nakamura—the best U.S. chess player currently, the most popular chess streamer, and the world’s second-highest ranked player—was accused of cheating in online chess by the conspiratorial Kramnik.
Despite the controversies, Naroditsky continued to compete fiercely. He acquitted himself well in the grueling 36-game match, though Kramnik ultimately eked out a victory.
The chess community remains in mourning over the loss of Daniel Naroditsky, while the debate over the impact of public accusations on players’ mental health continues.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/25/world-news/russian-chess-grandmaster-blamed-for-daniel-naroditskys-tragic-death-rejects-responsibility-then-bizarrely-claims-hes-not-suicidal/
