Niemann files $100-million slander lawsuit against Carlsen

Hans Niemann, the teenager at the center of an alleged cheating controversy, filed a lawsuit against world champion Magnus Carlsen, internet platform Chess.com, and others on Thursday, October 20, claiming at least $100 million in damages for slander and libel.

The case, which was filed in Missouri’s US District Court, also names as defendants Carlsen’s online chess platform Play Magnus, Chess.com executive Danny Rensch, and American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura.

Niemann, 19, alleged that the defendants are “colluding to blacklist” him from the professional chess scene and that tournament organizers have ignored him since five-time world champion Carlsen publicly accused him of cheating.

Carlsen’s shocking loss against Niemann and subsequent withdrawal from the Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis, Missouri in September triggered a flurry of accusations that the American had cheated, even from Nakamura.

A few weeks after the Sinquefield Cup, the Norwegian withdrew after just one move versus Niemann in an online event and stated in September that he suspected Niemann had “cheated more than he has officially admitted, and more lately.”

Attorneys for Chess.com stated in a Thursday statement that Niemann’s charges lacked merit and that the company was disappointed by his decision to pursue legal action.

Keep Reading

“Hans admitted publicly to cheating online following the Sinquefield Cup, and he is responsible for the resultant ramifications,” the statement added.

“Chess.com is eager to correct the record on behalf of its crew and all honest chess players.”

Carlsen and Nakamura’s representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Chess.com banned Niemann after his first match against Carlsen and published a report earlier this month stating that he likely cheated in online games more than 100 times.

Niemann had already been banned from Chess.com for online cheating, having admitting to playing unfairly in non-competitive games on the website during his youth, but denying any misconduct in over-the-board games.

According to his lawsuit, Chess.com “barred Niemann from its website and any future events in order to lend credibility to Carlsen’s unfounded and defamatory cheating allegations.”

The lawsuit also accused Nakamura, a streaming partner of Chess.com, of posting “hours of video content intended to back Carlsen’s bogus cheating charges.”

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) said last month that it will investigate cheating claims.

Burapha

Sawadee-khrup. I am a multicultural Thai newswriter that is always on the lookout for daily news that are intriguing and unique in my native country Thailand.

Recent Posts

One Piece Unveils Revamped Fish-Man Island Saga with New Opening Theme as Anime Prepares for 2025 Return

One Piece offers a new take of the legendary Fish-Man Island arc, so fans are in for a nostalgic trip…

November 4, 2024

Johor to Pioneer Premium Salaries for Skilled Workers as Malaysia’s First State Initiative under Johor-Singapore SEZ

Particularly in areas related to the forthcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Johor is poised to become the first state…

November 4, 2024

China-Japan Diplomatic Groundwork Laid Ahead of Anticipated Xi-Ishiba Summit in South America

China and Japan are getting ready for what would be a historic meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and freshly…

November 4, 2024

Philippines Triumphs with Fifth Consecutive East Asia Baseball Cup Title

Celebrating their fifth straight East Asia Baseball Cup title, the Philippines men's baseball team savored a historic triumph. Sunday in…

November 4, 2024

Japan’s Bold “Conveyor Belt Road” to Solve Truck Driver Shortages with Automated Cargo Transport

Officially known as an "auto flow road," the government of Japan has presented plans for a revolutionary "conveyor belt road,"…

November 3, 2024

China and UAE Celebrate 40 Years of Diplomatic Relations: All the Sectors for Partnership

Celebrating 40 years of diplomatic ties, China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are poised to fortify an alliance that…

November 2, 2024

This website uses cookies.

Read More