Hans Niemann Suing Magnus Carlsen, Chess.com, and Hikaru Nakamura

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Despite the public speculation on these questions, in our view, there is no direct evidence that proves Hans cheated at the September 4, 2022 game with Magnus, or proves that he has cheated in other OTB games in the past.

Uh oh ... that doesn't look good for the defendants.

With that said, pretty much everyone in my family, including my SO, are lawyers and I have been around the block a few times when it comes to discussing slander / libel suits in the US.

As an independent 3rd party with no interest in the world of Chess, I don't see how Niemann expects to win any damages in this case.

In the US the bar for slander is very high due to the existence of the first amendment and trying to protect it, you will basically have to prove malicious intent and that the offending party knew they were lying. Other countries like the UK have a much lower bar which is why it's a bigger deal there.

Unless I am missing some clear piece of evidence no one made a bad faith comment (and i need to stress you need to prove this beyond a reasonable doubt)

Magnus felt there was foul play because he knew of Nieman's history of cheating which was public knowledge in the chess world, same thing with his comments regarding the coach

Chess.com simply made available data that is rightfully theirs and stated that his rise has been exceptional.

Hikaru simply commented on the situation like a million other youtubers / twitch streamers and influencers, he just happens to be an expert in the field so he made his opinion using his domain knowledge and the fact that Niemann had been previously accused of cheating.

Again, unless i am missing some clear piece of evidence no one acted maliciously or twisted the truth to purposely cause harm, only gave their opinion using the information they had available.

But he doesn't do himself any favors with comments like "the chess speaks for itself", or offering what according to other GMs is a lackluster analysis of those astounding moves.

Whether it's immaturity or cheating remains to be seen.

While it is true that even a single small outside hint can change the outcome of a game, Niemann and the entire chess community have benefitted from practicing against increasingly stronger computer engines where play styles have adjusted to this new era as well in addition to self-funding his tuition at a private school. Many of these tournaments over the past 3 years have only been played online, and have easier access to both stronger real and virtual opponents so having a faster increase in his ELO rating than anyone previously is not outside the realm of possibility.

Defamation, while likely will be settled for much less than the stated amount, on this is case is very justified as tournaments are invite-only rather than climbing a tournament ladder by winning local/regional games. Barring an athlete based on unsubstantiated political decisions and effectively trying to destroy Niemann's livelihood should be seen as highly unethical action by Chess.com and Carlsen.

[0] https://www.chess.com/blog/CHESScom/hans-niemann-report