Former world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik has spoken publicly for the first time since the death of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, denying any involvement and pledging to clear his name in court.

In an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya English presenter Micheal Prendergast, Kramnik called the fallout surrounding the tragedy “tragic, shocking, and heartbreaking” while asserting he never accused Naroditsky of cheating. “I only wanted the evidence examined,” he said.

Kramnik claims he has become the target of an “organized PR campaign” and a scapegoat for FIDE and Chess.com after raising concerns about what he described as a coverup.

“I am receiving death threats, very ugly, very direct to me and to my family. The world of chess must become fair, transparent, and less toxic,” he added.

Legal action and threats

The former world champion revealed that he and his legal team have opened a criminal case in Switzerland over the threats he has received. “We asked for federal protection from Switzerland, and police are searching for the criminals who are sending this,” Kramnik said.

He also indicated he plans to pursue multiple legal cases to restore his reputation. “This organized PR campaign against me will be the cause of many different cases, criminal and civic. We will meet in court, and I’m sure the court will see the real facts, not PR, but real facts,” he said.

Kramnik also touched on reports of potential cheating in chess. “Yes, I am absolutely convinced about it. And it’s not the first time this has happened,” he said, citing Chess.com’s influence over players, media, and contractual relationships as a contributing factor.

Remembering Daniel Naroditsky

The former champion described noticing serious issues with Naroditsky in the days before his death. “It was so bad, so heartbreaking. He could barely speak, was falling asleep, behaving strangely. I immediately posted on Instagram asking people to help him,” Kramnik recalled.

Reflecting on the broader impact, he said, “We lost a very important figure in the world of chess. I hope that the world of chess will become different after this case and that such awful stories will not happen again.”

Kramnik emphasized that he possesses extensive documentation to support his claims and intends to present it in court to clear his name.