After five years of legal battles and professional upheaval, former Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) scientist David Sabatini has won a defamation case against a former colleague. On Friday, 16 October 2026, a Suffolk County jury awarded him $6 million (£4.5 million), finding that Dr Kristin Knouse had defamed him and interfered with his professional opportunities.
The verdict marks a major development in a dispute that began with sexual misconduct allegations in 2021. Sabatini described hearing the decision as 'overwhelming', while Knouse's lawyer said she intended to appeal. Knouse was ordered to pay the damages, plus interest.
