Carlsen Has Not Seen Controversial Netflix Documentary: – Not Interested

From the world of chess, where minds clash and reputations are forged, comes news that Magnus Carlsen, the undisputed Norwegian chess legend, has deliberately avoided the Netflix documentary "Untold: Chess Mates." This film delves into the contentious rivalry between Carlsen and American player Hans Niemann, a saga that has captivated and divided the chess community.

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I have not seen it.

Carlsen, speaking to VG and other international media outlets in Malmö, revealed his disinterest in the documentary. "I have not seen it," he stated plainly. He explained that having already contributed his perspective for the film, he has no further curiosity about its final form or the narratives presented within it. This stance suggests a desire to move past the controversy and focus on his game, rather than re-engage with the drama through a mediated lens.

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I said my part in the documentary. How it came out and what else was said there doesn't interest me much.

The documentary revisits the 2022 controversy where Carlsen accused Niemann of cheating, leading to Carlsen's withdrawal from a tournament and a subsequent public fallout. Niemann has since admitted to cheating in online games as a younger player, but denies cheating in their over-the-board encounters. The film also touches upon the wild speculations that followed, including the infamous "anal bead" theory, which Niemann acknowledges will forever follow him.

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It has been okay. I have not sought any of it out.

Carlsen's father, Henrik Carlsen, corroborated his son's detachment, noting Magnus's selective engagement with media and his ability to live his life outside the spotlight. For Carlsen, the focus remains on the chessboard, not the sensationalized retelling of past conflicts. This approach, as reported by Aftenposten, highlights a desire for privacy and a professional distance from the controversies that have swirled around him, preferring to let his play speak for itself.

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I think Magnus hasn't felt much of the fuss, because he is very selective about what he sees in the news or social media really. When he also hasn't seen the documentary, then he has little to relate to it.