Neil deGrasse Tyson's NatGeo show “StarTalk” has been pulled of the air following allegations of sexual misconduct by Tyson, Variety Magazine confirmed.
Tyson, 60, has been one of the leading voices in astrophysics for the last two decades, hosting a number of TV programs. But allegations involving Tyson’s past have taken him off the air.
According to Variety, two women have accused Tyson of past misconduct. Bucknell University’s Dr. Katelyn N. Allers accused Tyson of groping her in 2009. Ashley Watson, a former assistant of Tyson’s, accused the scientist of making unwanted advances on her.
“In order to allow the investigation to occur unimpeded we chose to hold new episodes of ‘Star Talk’ until it is complete,” a Nat Geo rep told Variety. “We expect that to happen in the next few weeks at which time we’ll make a final decision.”
Tyson said in a Facebook post that he welcomes an investigation, and denies the women’s allegations.
“In any claim, evidence matters. Evidence always matters,” he said. “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.”
Tyson went on to say, “Accusations can damage a reputation and a marriage. 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. I am grateful for the support I’ve received from those who continue to respect and value me and my work.
“Star Talk” was set for its fifth season on NatGeo. The program features Tyson interviewing celebrities and other scientists on a variety of issues.
While Star Talk’s status is in question, another program, a reboot of “Cosmos,” is also in question. NatGeo and Fox were set to air the 13-episode run starting in March.
