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Scientist David Sabatini awarded $6 million in defamation verdict
A Suffolk County jury has awarded biomedical researcher David Sabatini $6 million in a defamation lawsuit against his former colleague, Dr. Kristin Knouse. The verdict, reached on Friday, October 16, 2026, found that Knouse defamed Sabatini and interfered with his professional opportunities.
The legal dispute stems from 2021, when Sabatini was removed from his positions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research following allegations of sexual misconduct and a toxic laboratory environment. While institutional investigations found that Sabatini had violated workplace relationship policies, the jury in this civil trial rejected Knouse’s counterclaims that he had coerced her into a non-consensual relationship.
Sabatini, a prominent molecular biologist, expressed relief following the decision, describing it as a complete legal victory. Knouse’s legal team has indicated an intention to appeal the verdict. The damages awarded include interest on the $6 million sum.
Entities
David Sabatini · Kristin Knouse · Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Suffolk County Superior Court · Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] A jury awarded David Sabatini $6 million in damages plus interest. www.diariodocentrodomundo.com.br · www.ibtimes.co.uk · www.dailymail.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The jury concluded there was no sexual crime in the relationship between Sabatini and Knouse. www.diariodocentrodomundo.com.br · www.ibtimes.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sabatini was removed from his positions at MIT and the Whitehead Institute in 2021 following an investigation into workplace relationship policy violations. www.diariodocentrodomundo.com.br · www.dailymail.com