American GM Hans Moke Niemann held an ‘Ask Me Anything’ on Reddit on May 2. Chess.com co-founders Erik Allebest and Daniel Rensch posted their questions in the thread. Rensch suggested Niemann publicly release information protected by a non-disclosure agreement and noted that the Netflix documentary didn’t tell the full story of the Hans vs. Magnus conflict:

Daniel Rensch

Daniel Rensch

Chess.com co-founder & CCO

“Hi Hans! Danny here. We both know Netflix didn’t tell the whole story. I’m sure it’s frustrating for you like it is for me.

Any interest in working together to publish everything currently under NDA? You can then share with everyone what happened after the lawsuit was dismissed?

There’s been too many rumors about what went down. I for one am happy you’re back on Chess.com and would love for the world to see all the details of our agreement.

I’d love for the public to know everything at this point and hope you feel the same! Let me know?”

Allebest invited Hans to publish their personal text message history to the public:

Erik Allebest

Erik Allebest

Chess.com co-founder & CEO

“Hey Hans, Erik, CEO of Chess.com here. I saw some quotes from me on X. Would you be okay with publishing our full text message history for the chess community to see?

I think they would find it interesting.”

Hans Niemann did not respond to either Reddit post and explained this in his X. Niemann states that it’s time to leave drama behind and focus on chess, calls the offers performative, and expresses his opinion on Erik and Daniel:

Hans Moke Niemann

Hans Moke Niemann

American GM

“Seeing a lot of comments complaining that I didn’t engage with the drama baiting questions on my Reddit AMA…

It’s time to rise above the drama and focus on performing at the highest level. There is no such thing as vengeance, only individual success!

Their threat is desperate and meritless. A hopeless defense mechanism against the tide clearly shifting against the chess mafia. Making the offer on reddit is incredibly performative and disingenuous, if they were serious, they would reach out directly.

The chess mafia become so accustomed to controlling the narrative that they’re having a sauna session inspired Reddit comment meltdown because they’ve finally faced public backlash for their blatantly corrupt and merciless attempt to destroy my life and chess career.

If you haven’t realized that Erik and Danny are truly sick individuals, you should pay more attention.

When I ignore and rise above people complain — I don’t engage. When I refuse ridiculous claims — it’s toxic. Choose a side!”

Netflix released “UNTOLD: Chess Mates” in April, a documentary about the 2022 cheating scandal involving Magnus Carlsen and Hans Moke Niemann. The documentary centers on Niemann’s victory over Carlsen at the Sinquefield Cup and the cheating accusation that followed. Hans Niemann criticized the documentary and comments by Erik Allebest and Daniel Rensch in X.

Credit: Hans Moke Niemann Instagram