Yoo Family Releases Statement after U.S. Championship Expulsion

The family of Christopher Yoo released a statement Friday after the grandmaster was expelled from the U.S. Championships in St. Louis.

A Statement About What Happened on Wednesday in the US Championship from Christopher Yoo’s Parents

First and foremost, Christopher wants to publicly apologize to the female videographer that was an innocent victim of his anger after his loss of a chess game.  Contrary to what some have suggested, the videographer did nothing to provoke Christopher.  We heard she’s doing okay but we don’t have any details and we pray she is doing well both physically and emotionally. Her well-being is of deep concern to all of us.

Christopher offers no excuses for his behavior.  He is just very sad and ashamed he behaved in that way.  If you saw him tearfully apologize to the Executive Director of the Club you’d understand he is genuinely remorseful.  Though he hasn’t had an opportunity to talk to the videographer after the incident, he has sent her a personal apology via the Executive Director.  Christopher understands something like this can never happen again and never ever should have happened in the first place.  He would also like to apologize to tournament officials, the Saint Louis Chess Club, his fellow players in the tournament, US Chess, and everyone in and outside the chess community this may have affected. He accepts full responsibility for what happened and the potential consequences.

Many people have expressed concerns about the mental well-being of our 17-year old son.  As parents we more than share their concern.  Something like this has never happened before and he will be getting therapy to help make sure his mental well-being is properly cared for and that something like this will not happen again.

As his parents, we are still in shock at this turn of events and soul-searching as to how we could have prevented this.  As his father and main 'chess parent' I feel a particular responsibility for how this has impacted an innocent videographer, my son, and everyone this incident has touched and I deeply apologize.

- Christopher’s Parents

P.S. Christopher is drafting his own apology and will release it when it’s ready.

Yoo was expelled Wednesday after a loss to GM Fabiano Caruana. On the way out of the playing hall, he allegedly hit a member of the video crew. He was charged with fourth-degree assault that day and released to the custody of his parents. His case will be handled in the juvenile justice system.

Yoo’s games have been annulled; each player set to face him will receive a bye.

A Safe Play complaint has been lodged against him; his US Chess membership has been suspended while the investigation continues.