FIDE Investigates Kramnik Over Harassment Allegations Following Naroditsky Death

The chess community is in turmoil following the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky at 29, with widespread calls for disciplinary action against former world champion Vladimir Kramnik, who had accused Naroditsky of cheating during online matches over the past year. Naroditsky appeared distressed in his final Twitch broadcast, acknowledging the emotional toll of Kramnik's accusations, which many peers, including Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen, have condemned as harassment. FIDE has responded by initiating an investigation into Kramnik's conduct, referring his statements to its Ethics and Disciplinary Commission, while its president, Arkady Dvorkovich, urged the chess world to maintain respectful discourse and condemned bullying. Kramnik denies any wrongdoing and has filed defamation lawsuits, asserting he never bullied Naroditsky. The controversy has sparked broader discussions about the impact of unsubstantiated cheating allegations in online chess and the responsibilities of public figures within the sport. FIDE has also expressed condolences to Naroditsky's family and plans to honor his contributions as a player, teacher, and commentator.