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Former MIT scientist awarded $6 million in defamation verdict against colleague

Fox News reports a jury found Dr. Kristin Knouse defamed former colleague Dr. David Sabatini, awarding him $6 million.

Updated Oct 17, 2026 · 22:05 UTC1 reports

The short version

A jury found Kristin Knouse defamed former MIT biology professor David Sabatini and awarded him $6 million.[Fox News]
Sabatini lost his position at the Whitehead Institute in 2021 following an internal investigation into Knouse's allegations.[Fox News]
Knouse alleged her relationship with Sabatini was coerced; Sabatini maintains it was consensual, and the jury rejected her counterclaims.[Fox News]
Knouse's attorneys plan to appeal, while Sabatini's team is preparing to challenge the dismissal of claims against Whitehead.[Fox News]

A jury found that Dr. Kristin Knouse defamed Dr. David Sabatini and awarded him $6 million in damages.[Fox News]
Sabatini lost his position at the Whitehead Institute in 2021 following an internal investigation into Knouse's allegations.[Fox News]
The jury rejected Knouse's counterclaims, including her allegation that Sabatini coerced her into a sexual relationship.[Fox News]
Knouse's attorneys said they planned to appeal the verdict.[Fox News]

Knouse's coercion allegation is disputed; Sabatini has maintained that the relationship was consensual.[Fox News]
Knouse's planned appeal could alter the verdict; no appellate outcome is reported.[Fox News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.