Renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is under investigation by Fox Entertainment Group and the producers of the TV series “Cosmos” in response to multiple accusations of s**ual harassment and assault.
The allegations were first reported on the website Patheos, which covers topics related to religion, science, and skepticism.
Astronomer Katelyn Allers from Bucknell University stated in the report that Tyson grabbed her arm and reached into her dress while looking at a tattoo of the solar system.
Another woman, Ashley Watson, who previously worked as Tyson’s assistant on “Cosmos,” claimed she quit her job after experiencing inappropriate s**ual advances from him.
Patheos had previously published allegations by musician Tchiya Amet, who accused Tyson of drugging and raping her while they were graduate students at the University of Texas at Austin.
In response to these allegations, Tyson posted a lengthy statement on Facebook, admitting that he hadn’t recognized the discomfort felt by Allers and Watson during the incidents they described.
He also acknowledged having a brief relationship with Amet in the 1980s but denied her accusation of assault.
Tyson stated his willingness to fully cooperate with the investigation.
The producers of “Cosmos” expressed their commitment to conducting a thorough investigation and taking appropriate action once it concludes.
They emphasized that the show’s guiding principle is to follow the evidence wherever it leads.
Both Fox Entertainment and National Geographic, which air the series, announced that they are reviewing the reports after just becoming aware of the allegations.
The National Geographic channel is jointly owned by 21st Century Fox and the National Geographic Society.
Watson, in an interview with The Washington Post, detailed an uncomfortable encounter with Tyson in May 2018.
She described how he invited her to his home, where he removed his shirt and began serving wine and cheese.
At one point, Tyson allegedly pointed a knife at her and made inappropriate comments about needing “release.”
When she attempted to leave, he asked her to perform a handshake involving feeling each other’s pulse and staring into each other’s eyes.
Watson felt manipulated and uncomfortable throughout the encounter, particularly when Tyson expressed his desire for a s**ual relationship.
Two days later, Watson informed a producer on “Cosmos” about the incident and expressed her intention to quit.
The producer suggested she inform the rest of the crew that she needed to leave due to a family emergency.
Watson shared a text message she sent to a friend, recounting the incident in detail.
Producer Drew Dowdle, who employed Watson in 2017, confirmed that she had informed him of her experience with Tyson several months after leaving “Cosmos.”
Allers confirmed the details of her experience as reported by Patheos but declined to comment further.
She did not report the incident, which she claims occurred at a social event after a 2009 meeting of the American Astronomical Society, as she believed there was no mechanism in place to address s**ual harassment within the society.
Tyson apologized to Allers on Facebook, expressing his lack of awareness regarding her perception of his behavior as “creepy.”
He acknowledged the need to be more sensitive to personal space in the future.
The women involved in these allegations came forward in an effort to support Amet’s accusation, which she initially wrote about on her blog in 2014.
They believe it is essential for Tyson to address these accusations and contribute to the necessary change in society’s handling of such matters.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Tyson as a current member of the American Astronomical Society (AAS).
Although Tyson has been a member in the past, he is not currently affiliated with the society.
