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, science communicator, and author. He holds degrees from Harvard, University of Texas at Austin, and Columbia. After a postdoctoral position at Princeton, he joined the Hayden Planetarium in 1994 and Princeton's faculty. In 1996, he became the director of the Hayden Planetarium, overseeing its major reconstruction completed in 2000. Since 1996, he has served as the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space. In 1997 he founded the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History, where he has been a research associate since 2003.

Sections (4)

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

1984: Rape Accusation by Tchiya Amet El Maat

In 1984, Tchiya Amet El Maat accused Neil deGrasse Tyson of drugging and raping her while they were graduate students at UT Austin.

2006: IAU reclassifies Pluto

In 2006, The International Astronomical Union (IAU) confirmed Neil deGrasse Tyson's assessment by changing Pluto to the dwarf planet classification.

2009: Allegation of Inappropriate Touching by Katelyn Allers

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

2010: Allegation of Inappropriate Comments at Holiday Party

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 commented on philosophy during an episode of The Nerdist Podcast, calling it "useless" and stating that a philosophy major could "really mess you up". This statement was met with disapproval and later criticized by philosopher Massimo Pigliucci.

December 2018: Accusations of Sexual Misconduct

In December 2018, Neil deGrasse Tyson was accused of rape by a woman, with additional allegations of inappropriate sexual advances from three other women. These allegations prompted investigations by various organizations.

January 3, 2019: StarTalk Put on Hiatus

On January 3, 2019, following accusations of sexual misconduct, the National Geographic Channel announced that further episodes of StarTalk were being put on hiatus to allow an investigation to occur unimpeded.

March 3, 2019: Delay of Cosmos: Possible Worlds Premiere

On March 3, 2019, the premiere of Cosmos: Possible Worlds was delayed while an investigation into allegations against Neil deGrasse Tyson continued.

March 15, 2019: Investigation Complete, StarTalk and Cosmos to Resume

On March 15, 2019, National Geographic and Fox announced that the investigation into allegations against Neil deGrasse Tyson was complete and that both StarTalk and Cosmos would resume. The American Museum of Natural History also confirmed that Tyson would keep his job as director of the Hayden Planetarium.