Famed astrophysicist and Cosmos presenter Neil deGrasse Tyson is currently under investigation on claims of sexual misconduct, after two women came forward to allege inappropriate behaviour on his part.
As The Washington Post reports, Dr. Katelyn N. Allers and Ashley Watson last week came forward with allegations against Tyson that claimed he had acted inappropriately towards them on seperate occasions.
While Allers claimed she had been “felt up” by Tyson at a party in 2009, Watson alleged that inappropriate sexual advances from the astrophysicist led to her quitting her job.
These claims came just weeks after another woman – musician Tchiya Amet – claimed that Tyson had drugged and raped her during their time at university in the ’80s. Although Amet claimed she made a police report back in 2014, it reportedly was not investigated.
In light of these recent allegations, the producers of Cosmos issued a statement revealing they will be following the investigation of the claims.
“The credo at the heart of Cosmos is to follow the evidence wherever it leads,” they wrote. “The producers of ‘Cosmos’ can do no less in this situation.”
“We are committed to a thorough investigation of this matter and to act accordingly as soon as it is concluded.”
Likewise, a similar statement from Fox Broadcasting echoed these sentiments, noting, “We have only just become aware of the recent allegations regarding Neil deGrasse Dr Tyson. We take these matters very seriously and we are reviewing the recent reports.”
Earlier today, Neil deGrasse Tyson took to Facebook to post a lengthy response to these allegations, offering his side to the story in each case, and denying the claims made against him.
“I’ve recently been publically [sic] accused of sexual misconduct,” he began “These accusations have received a fair amount of press in the past forty-eight hours, unaccompanied by my reactions.”
“In many cases, it’s not the media’s fault. I declined comment on the grounds that serious accusations should not be adjudicated in the press. But clearly I cannot continue to stay silent.”
“Accusations can damage a reputation and a marriage. Sometimes irreversibly,” he continued. “I see myself as loving husband and as a public servant – a scientist and educator who serves at the will of the public.”
“I am grateful for the support I’ve received from those who continue to respect and value me and my work.”
Check out the trailer for Cosmos: Possible Worlds:
