Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Neil deGrasse Tyson

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 7, 2026

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 holds degrees from Harvard, University of Texas at Austin, and Columbia University. After a postdoctoral position at Princeton, he joined the Hayden Planetarium in 1994. He became its director in 1996 and spearheaded a major reconstruction completed in 2000. Since 1996, he's remained the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Further, 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: Accusation of Rape

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

2009: Allegation of Inappropriate Touching

In 2009, Katelyn Allers, a professor at Bucknell University, 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: Remarks on Philosophy

In March 2014, during an episode of The Nerdist Podcast, Neil deGrasse Tyson made controversial remarks calling philosophy "useless", sparking criticism from philosophers like 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: Hiatus of StarTalk

On January 3, 2019, National Geographic Channel announced a hiatus of StarTalk to allow an unimpeded investigation into accusations against Neil deGrasse Tyson.

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

The premiere of Cosmos: Possible Worlds, initially scheduled for March 3, 2019, was delayed due to the ongoing investigation into accusations against Neil deGrasse Tyson.

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

On March 15, 2019, National Geographic and Fox announced the completion of the investigation into accusations against Neil deGrasse Tyson and affirmed that both StarTalk and Cosmos would resume.

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