A jury awards former MIT cellular biology professor David Sabatini $6 million in damages in his defamation lawsuit against a former colleague, following accusations of inappropriate sexual conduct in his lab. Multiple outlets report the decision as a win for Sabatini, with the jury finding that the colleague’s claims were defamatory.
The case centers on the fallout from the original sexual harassment allegations and how they affected Sabatini’s career. Reports describe Sabatini as having been ousted from MIT and say the litigation addresses the accuracy and consequences of the allegations rather than a criminal charge. Coverage also notes broader professional harm tied to the dispute, including the long-term impact on Sabatini’s work and standing after the accusations.
