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David Sabatini wins $6m payout after jury rules colleague lied about sex misconduct
Scientist David Sabatini wins $6m in damages after jury finds former colleague Kristin Knouse falsely accused him of being a sex pest.
In brief
Scientist David Sabatini wins $6m in damages after jury finds former colleague Kristin Knouse falsely accused him of being a sex pest. David Sabatini, 58, won $6 million after a Boston jury ruled his former colleague Kristin Knouse lied about him being a sex pest. Originally reported by Dailymail.
David Sabatini wins $6m payout
David Sabatini, 58, a world-renowned molecular biologist, won a $6 million payout in Suffolk Superior Court after a jury ruled his former colleague Kristin Knouse lied about him being a sex pest.
Sabatini ousted from MIT in 2021
Sabatini was removed from his prestigious positions at the Whitehead Institute and Massachusetts Institute of Technology after allegations of inappropriate conduct with a lab colleague.
Knouse accused Sabatini of sex misconduct
Kristin Knouse, 38, accused Sabatini of running a toxic and sexually-charged laboratory and inappropriate conduct during their relationship.
Sabatini sued for defamation
Sabatini brought a civil lawsuit five years ago claiming he was unfairly targeted by a smear campaign launched by Knouse after ending their relationship.
Knouse countersued Sabatini
Knouse countersued Sabatini, alleging he abused his position of power to coerce her into an abusive work culture and non-consensual relationship.
Three-week trial in Boston
The dueling lawsuits were heard in a Boston courtroom over a grueling three-week civil trial that concluded on Wednesday.
Jury rules Knouse liable
A jury of seven women and six men ruled that Knouse is liable for $6 million in damages after she defamed Sabatini and interfered with his ability to earn a living.
Sabatini's career collapse
Sabatini saw his reputation destroyed after reports that he would be hired by New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine led hundreds of students to stage a mass protest.
Sabatini's mental health
Sabatini slipped into depression due to the collapse of his professional and private life and told the court he attempted suicide.
Sabatini's financial loss
Sabatini argued in court that the allegations have cost him almost $2 million between 2020 and 2025.
Sabatini's lawyer claims smear campaign
Sabatini's attorney argued he was a victim of an overzealous #MeToo campaign that unjustly condemned him.
Knouse plans to appeal
Knouse's attorney said her client now intends to appeal the verdict, claiming it was the right thing to do.
Knouse's lawyer criticizes verdict
Knouse's lawyer argued the verdict is 'unfortunate' not just for Knouse but for women and men who investigated the case and tried to help move the culture forward.
Knouse's lawyer compares to Cornell
Knouse's lawyer compared the verdict to the situation at Cornell University where a woman claimed seven men sexually abused her in 2024.
Knouse's lawyer on culture
Knouse's lawyer argued the verdict is symptomatic of a culture that fails to believe women and hold men accountable for their violation of basic human decency.
The big picture
David Sabatini, 58, won $6 million after a Boston jury ruled his former colleague Kristin Knouse lied about him being a sex pest.
