Words by: Rashad Grove
Over the weekend, noted astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has vehemently denied all accusations of sexual misconduct that have been levied against him by three different women. Cable networks Fox, National Geographic and the producers of his show “Cosmos” are currently investigating two allegations of sexual harassment and an accusation of sexual assault.
Responding to the alleged incidents that took place, Tyson said, “In my mind’s eye, I’m a friendly and accessible guy, but going forward, I can surely be more sensitive to people’s personal space, even in the midst of my planetary enthusiasm,” Tyson wrote.
According to reports, Katelyn N. Allers, an associate professor of physics and astronomy at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, claims that Tyson “grabbed her arm and reached into her dress while looking at her tattoo of the solar system.” Allers alleges that the incident occurred during a party.
Tyson spoke about the allegations for the first time on social media. He said, “ For a variety of reasons, most justified, some unjustified, men accused of sexual impropriety in today’s ‘Me Too’ climate are presumed to be guilty by the court of public opinion,” Tyson wrote on Facebook. “Emotions bypass due-process, people choose sides, and the social media wars begin.”
Tyson, the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City. The center is part of the American Museum of Natural History.
