Neil deGrasse Tyson to return to Nat Geo upon completion of assault allegation investigation
National Geographic announced Friday it completed an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Neil deGrasse Tyson and it is “moving forward with both ‘StarTalk’ and ‘Cosmos,’ ” which are both hosted by the 60-year-old astrophysicist.
“The investigation is complete, and we are moving forward with both ‘StarTalk’ and ‘Cosmos,’ ” Nat Geo said in a statement. “‘StarTalk’ will return to the air with the remaining 13 episodes in April on National Geographic, and both Fox and National Geographic are committed to finding an air date for ‘Cosmos.’ There will be no further comment.”
{mosads}National Geographic did not provide specifics about the investigation.
In a story published in November, Bucknell University professor Katelyn Allers claimed Tyson had groped her at an astronomy meeting in 2009.
Allers said that, while the alleged groping wasn’t assault from her perspective, it showed he could engage in “creepy behavior.”
Another woman, Ashley Watson, also said Tyson made unwanted sexual advances toward her after he promoted her to be his assistant.
Tyson vehemently denied the accusations in a Facebook post not long after the allegations were made.
“Accusations can damage a reputation and a marriage,” he wrote. “Sometimes irreversibly. I see myself as loving husband and as a public servant — a scientist and educator who serves at the will of the public.”
“In any claim, evidence matters. Evidence always matters,” he continued. “But what happens when it’s just one person’s word against another’s, and the stories don’t agree? That’s when people tend to pass judgment on who is more credible than whom. And that’s when an impartial investigation can best serve the truth — and would have my full cooperation to do so.”
“Cosmos: Possible Worlds” will first air on Fox before airing on National Geographic in 172 countries and 43 languages, according to Variety. The National Geographic Channel is owned by 21st Century Fox.
“Cosmos” was originally supposed to launch its second season on March 3, but was taken off the schedule while the investigation against Tyson was still ongoing.
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