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. Educated at Harvard, University of Texas, and Columbia, he held a postdoctoral position at Princeton before joining the Hayden Planetarium in 1994. He became the planetarium's director in 1996, overseeing its extensive reconstruction completed in 2000. Simultaneously, he held a research scientist and lecturer position at Princeton. Since 1996, Tyson has remained the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City and founded the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History.
1984: Rape Accusation by Thchiya Amet El Maat
In 1984, Thchiya Amet El Maat accused Neil deGrasse Tyson of drugging and raping her while they were graduate students at UT Austin.
2005: Panel about genetic differences
In 2005, Tyson participated in a panel where he expressed his view that addressing disparities in opportunities must precede any discussion about genetic differences affecting success in scientific fields.
2006: Pluto's Reclassification
In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet, aligning with Neil deGrasse Tyson's approach at the Hayden Planetarium.
2009: Allegation by Katelyn Allers
In 2009, Katelyn Allers alleged that Neil deGrasse Tyson touched her inappropriately at an American Astronomical Society gathering.
2009: Remarks on Atheism
In 2009, during an interview, Neil deGrasse Tyson stated that he does not identify as an atheist and is not interested in converting people to any particular belief. He clarified that he doesn't have the time, energy, or interest to conduct himself in that way.
2010: Allegations by an anonymous woman
In 2010, an anonymous woman alleged Tyson made inappropriate comments to her during a holiday party at the American Museum of Natural History.
March 2014: Discussion on God and Atheism
In March 2014, during a discussion with philosopher Massimo Pigliucci, Neil deGrasse Tyson expressed that he remains unconvinced by claims about the existence or power of a divine force. He also reiterated his discomfort with labels, particularly "atheist," preferring adjectives to describe his stance, such as "I really don't care."
March 2014: Remarks on Philosophy
In March 2014, during an episode of The Nerdist Podcast, Neil deGrasse Tyson stated that philosophy is "useless" and that a philosophy major "can really mess you up", which was met with disapproval and later criticism from philosopher Massimo Pigliucci.
2014: Comments on genetics and opportunity
In 2014, Tyson discussed his 2005 panel comments, emphasizing the need to dismantle social barriers before addressing scientific questions about genetic differences. He also expressed that race is not central to his career message.
December 2018: Sexual Misconduct Allegations
In December 2018, Neil deGrasse Tyson was accused of rape and inappropriate sexual advances by multiple women.
January 3, 2019: StarTalk Episodes Put on Hiatus
On January 3, 2019, National Geographic Channel announced that they were putting further episodes of StarTalk on hiatus due to investigations into the allegations against Tyson.
March 3, 2019: Cosmos Premiere Delayed
On March 3, 2019, the premiere of Cosmos: Possible Worlds was delayed while investigations into allegations against Neil deGrasse Tyson continued.
March 15, 2019: Investigations Complete, Programs to Resume
On March 15, 2019, National Geographic and Fox announced that the investigation into Neil deGrasse Tyson was complete and that both StarTalk and Cosmos would resume.
