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Could you please elaborate? I personally can't see how the acquisition and cheating are connected

Conflict of interest.

Magnus Carlsen has put his reputation on the line by calling out Hans Niemann for cheating. Many people have criticised him for doing saying there is not enough evidence.

Chess.com has an interest in defending Magnus's brand since they are buying his companies.

There is a very short list of people, in the entire history of the game, who could possibly be considered better players than Carlsen. His reputation is not in jeopardy at all.

No one is questioning his reputation as a skilled player. They are questioning him for potentially calling someone out for cheating on flimsy (or no) evidence.

Only the most casual of chess followers think that Carlsen calling out a confessed cheater is somehow putting his reputation at stake.

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