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Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s NatGeo Show Suspended Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation

The network says new episodes of "Star Talk" are on hold until the investigation into Tyson's sexual harassment allegations is complete.
Neil deGrasse Tyson Addresses Accusations of Sexual Misconduct
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 23: American Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson speaks onstage during the Onward18 Conference – Day 1 on October 23, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Onward18)
By Tanya A. Christian ·
Neil deGrasse Tyson’s “Star Talk” series on National Geographic made it three episodes into what was scheduled to be a 20-episode season before the network decided to halt the airing of any new episodes. A spokesperson for NatGeo told Variety that the decision was made in an effort to have the investigation into his sexual harassment allegations carried out without any possible obstruction. For now, “Star Talk” will remain on hiatus until the investigation is closed. “We expect that to happen in the next few weeks at which time we’ll make a final decision,” said the spokesperson. DeGrasse first became embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal when Bucknell University’s Dr. Katelyn N. Allers claimed Tyson groped her at an event in 2009, while a former assistant, Ashley Watson, said Tyson had repeatedly made inappropriate advances toward her. He, however, was publicly accused by another woman, Tchiya Amet, even before that in 2014. Amet said that he drugged and raped her while they were graduate students at the University of Texas in the 1980s. Last month, Tyson released a statement addressing all three allegations and denying any wrongdoing. He said, in part, “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.” Since that time an anonymous fourth accuser came forward with claims that Tyson grouped her at a holiday party. NatGeo and FOX released a joint statement on the matter, saying “We take these matters very seriously and we are reviewing the recent reports.” Show producers also released a statement vowing a thorough investigation and to “act accordingly as soon as it is concluded.”