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MIT biologist who demanded ‘hard’ sex from professor then drove him to suicide attempt with her #MeToo lie insists that she’s the REAL victim… as she launches new attack on him
A Massachusetts jury found MIT assistant professor Kristin Knouse liable for defaming cancer researcher David Sabatini by describing their consensual relationship as coercive and inappropriate. Sabatini says the claims damaged his career and drove him from his former institution; the verdict has intensified public attention and online anger.
Knouse plans to appeal and told a reporter she was facing a smear campaign and death threats, alleging that Sabatini had sent a “mob” after her. Sabatini denied that accusation and said death threats were unjustifiable. The court ordered Knouse to pay $10 million, with interest accruing; court documents cited in the article describe a relationship that began in April 2018 and ended in January 2020.
In short
- A jury found Kristin Knouse liable for defaming David Sabatini.
- She was ordered to pay $10 million and plans to appeal.
- Sabatini denies sending a mob after her and condemns death threats.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Sabatini’s case is that a jury found Knouse liable for defamation after she characterised their relationship as coercive and inappropriate, and that the claims seriously harmed his career and reputation. He is entitled to seek redress for false statements, while condemning threats against Knouse as unjustifiable.
The case against
Knouse’s case is that she plans to appeal the verdict and says she has faced a smear campaign and death threats, which she attributes to people mobilised against her. From her perspective, the verdict does not end the dispute, and her account and the court’s findings should be distinguished while the appeal process continues.