Cosmos host Neil deGrasse Tyson denies sexual misconduct allegations

Following the news on Friday that Fox and National Geographic were investigating him for claims of sexual misconduct, Neil deGrasse Tyson is speaking out.

In a new, lengthy post on Facebook, the astrophysicist and Cosmos host discussed some of the allegations that are out against him, opening with the following statement:

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. 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.

Following this, Tyson then offered up his side of the multiple allegations that are out there against him, one in which he apologized for some of his actions but also denied that he sexually assaulted anyone. his recounting of the past allegations is broken up into several paragraphs, and in them he discusses what he believes to be misinterpretations as well as one consensual relationship from earlier on in his life.. He also made it clear at the end of the statement that he “welcomes” the investigation into him, stating the following:

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.

Tyson claims that he denied initial requests for a response so that he could not play out the saga in the press, and this may end up being the end of what he has to say on the matter until we get to the other side of the investigation and whatever it brings. For now, the plan is for Cosmos to premiere its latest batch of episodes later this spring; by that time, it is possible that the investigation will be complete.

Once there is some more news regarding this story, we will be sure to let you know. (Photo: Fox.)