Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Neil deGrasse Tyson

Public opinion and media debates around Neil deGrasse Tyson—discover key moments of controversy.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is a prominent American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator. He received his education from Harvard, the University of Texas at Austin, and Columbia University, followed by a postdoctoral position at Princeton. In 1994, he joined the Hayden Planetarium, becoming its director in 1996. Tyson spearheaded the planetarium's $210 million renovation completed in 2000. Since 1996, he has remained director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City. Furthermore, he established the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History in 1997, where he has been a research associate since 2003.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1984: Accusation of Rape

In 1984, Neil deGrasse Tyson was accused of rape by Thchiya Amet El Maat while they were graduate students at UT Austin.

2006: IAU Redefines Pluto as a Dwarf Planet

In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) confirmed Neil deGrasse Tyson's assessment by changing Pluto to the dwarf planet classification, aligning with his decisions at the Hayden Planetarium. Tyson had expressed his views on The Colbert Report, The Daily Show, and BBC Horizon.

2009: Allegation of Inappropriate Touching

In 2009, Katelyn Allers alleged that Neil deGrasse Tyson touched her inappropriately at an American Astronomical Society gathering.

2010: Allegation of Inappropriate Comments

In 2010, an anonymous woman alleged that Neil deGrasse Tyson made inappropriate comments to her during a holiday party at the American Museum of Natural History.

March 2014: Comments on Philosophy

In March 2014, Neil deGrasse Tyson stated during an episode of The Nerdist Podcast that philosophy is "useless", a comment for which he was later criticized by philosopher Massimo Pigliucci.

December 2018: Accusations of Sexual Misconduct

During December 2018, Neil deGrasse Tyson faced accusations of rape and inappropriate sexual advances from multiple women. The allegations led to investigations by various organizations.

January 3, 2019: StarTalk Placed on Hiatus

On January 3, 2019, the National Geographic Channel announced that further episodes of StarTalk were being put on hiatus to allow an investigation into accusations against Neil deGrasse Tyson to occur unimpeded.

March 3, 2019: Cosmos: Possible Worlds Premiere Delayed

The premiere of Cosmos: Possible Worlds, initially scheduled for March 3, 2019, was delayed while an investigation into accusations against Neil deGrasse Tyson continued.