STAT+: Cambridge scientist David Sabatini speaks out after courtroom victory: ‘The hardest years of my life’

Sabatini was awarded $6 million in damages in his civil lawsuit MIT biologist David Sabatini (left) listened in court at Suffolk County Superior Court in Boston on Oct. 14.David L. Ryan/Globe Staff For five years, biologist David Sabatini has replayed his downfall from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the back of his mind, like a movie on repeat. More often than not, he tried to hit pause, avoiding headlines about his ousting from the Whitehead Institute in Cambridge, after a much younger colleague, Kristin Knouse, accused him of inappropriate sexual conduct and an internal investigation found he violated a strict workplace relationship policy. But the latest development — when a Suffolk County jury last week unanimously awarded him $6 million in damages in his civil lawsuit against Knouse, while dismissing her claims of retaliation and harassment against him — are scenes he describes in vivid detail. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Michaela Towfighi — Boston Globe