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New York — Renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson says he will cooperate fully with an "impartial investigation" into allegations of sexual misconduct that have been levelled against him.
Patheos.com recently published accounts from two women who say that Tyson behaved in a sexually inappropriate manner toward them. Tyson was host of Cosmos: Possible Worlds on Fox in 2014 and a new edition of the series was to air on National Geographic next year.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Tyson denied an accusation that he groped a woman and he denied that he made sexual advances toward a production assistant when he invited her to share wine and cheese at his home. He apologised for making the production assistant feel uncomfortable.
SEE THE POST HERE:
(Click here to see the post of Facebook)
On Being Accused
For a variety of reasons, most justified, some unjustified, men accused of sexual impropriety in today's "me-too" climate are presumed to be guilty by the court of public opinion. Emotions bypass due-process, people choose sides, and the social media wars begin. In any claim, evidence matters. Evidence always matters.
Fox and National Geographic Networks have said they will conduct a thorough investigation.
"We have only just become aware of the recent allegations regarding Neil deGrasse Tyson. We take these matters very seriously and we are reviewing the recent reports," said Fox and National Geographic in a statement.
The producers of Cosmos in a statement said: "The credo at the heart of Cosmos is to follow the evidence wherever it leads.
"The producers of Cosmos can do no less in this situation. We are committed to a thorough investigation of this matter and to act accordingly as soon as it is concluded."
The second season of the revived Cosmos is supposed to be broadcast from 3 March 2019 on National Geographic (DStv 181).
