This is David Sabatini, renowned for his research on cell growth, cancer, and aging.
In 2021, his colleague Kristin Knouse accused him of having had a coercive sexual relationship with her, citing the professional influence he wielded over her.
Sabatini maintained that the relationship had been consensual and rejected the accusations.
An internal investigation concluded that he had violated workplace rules and fostered a sexualized environment in his lab.
He lost his position at the Whitehead Institute, and a potential appointment at another university was later derailed following protests by students and academics.
The scientist sued Knouse for defamation.
On October 16, 2026, a Massachusetts jury ruled in his favor and awarded him six million dollars. It also rejected the harassment and retaliation claims she had brought.
“We had won everything, we had lost nothing”, Sabatini said upon learning the outcome.
His accuser announced that she would appeal the ruling.
The legal victory came five years after a controversy that profoundly transformed his professional life.