After the chess scandal surrounding Magnus Carlsen, Hans Niemann and chess.com has recently calmed down, there are now new developments. The parties sued by the American for $100 million each have filed a motion in court to have the lawsuit dismissed.
Chess player Hans Niemann’s multi-million defamation lawsuit against superstar Magnus Carlsen and chess.com could be dropped before it even goes to court. The accused parties have petitioned the Eastern Missouri District Court to dismiss the lawsuit. In their application, the chess.com lawyers write of a “PR stunt” by the young American, whose allegations are “obviously unfounded”.
Niemann’s claims that the actions and statements of chess.com and Carlsen result in him being withdrawn from tournaments, thereby reducing his ability to make money, could not be substantiated. They invoke the right to freedom of expression.
Carlsen’s attorneys are even clearer in their letter, stating, “After years of trying to establish a reputation as chess’ bad boy, Niemann wants to make money by blaming others for the consequences of his wrongdoing.” In their eyes, he constructs an “unbelievable conspiracy”. Ultimately, Niemann himself admitted that he had cheated in his career, but did not want to bear the consequences and “blame the world champion and others”.
Niemann’s lawyers responded to the opposing party’s motions in the Wall Street Journal and confirmed to the paper that they believed their client had been treated unfairly. Carlsen surprisingly lost to Niemann at the 2022 Sinquefield Cup and then withdrew from the tournament. Directly after the game, the Norwegian first made indirect and later direct allegations of cheating against the American.
Niemann eventually admitted to cheating, but claimed he had only used computer help in two minor online games in his life. Chess.com then published a report listing numerous notable games played by the 19-year-old. Niemann saw this as a conspiracy by Carlsen and chess.com, who have a business relationship, and accused both parties of monopolizing chess and exploiting this position – and silencing it. He then sued Carlsen, the online platform and streamer Hikaru Nakamura for $100 million each.