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Sabatini Wins $6M Defamation Verdict Against Kristin Knouse

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 4:47 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Sabatini Wins Verdict

David Sabatini, former MIT professor, won a $6 million defamation verdict against Kristin Knouse, MIT assistant professor of biology.
A Suffolk County Superior Court jury found Knouse defamed Sabatini and interfered with his work.
Ellen Zucker, Knouse’s attorney, said the firm will appeal the verdict.
MIT placed Sabatini on indefinite leave after misconduct findings.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute terminated Sabatini following the same findings.

Summary

Ackman Demands MIT Action

Bill Ackman pledged $25 million over five years to rebuild Sabatini’s research program in Prague.
Ackman posted on X demanding MIT fire director Ruth Lehmann and reinstate Sabatini’s tenure.
Whitehead Institute’s board issued a statement affirming confidence in Lehmann’s leadership and policies.
Sabatini’s Prague lab began empty, prompting him to open a Boston branch because U.S. jobs were unavailable.

History

Historical Context

In late 2005 Hwang Woo-suk, a celebrated Seoul National University professor, was exposed for fabricating human embryonic stem-cell results and misusing research funds. He publicly apologized on 24 November 2005, resigned in December, was indicted on 12 May 2006 for embezzling 2.8 billion won, and was convicted in October 2009, prompting South Korea to overhaul research-ethics regulations.

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Sabatini Wins Verdict

David Sabatini, former MIT professor, won a $6 million defamation verdict against Kristin Knouse, MIT assistant professor of biology.
A Suffolk County Superior Court jury found Knouse defamed Sabatini and interfered with his work.
Ellen Zucker, Knouse’s attorney, said the firm will appeal the verdict.
MIT placed Sabatini on indefinite leave after misconduct findings.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute terminated Sabatini following the same findings.

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