Neil deGrasse Tyson Keeps American Museum of Natural History Job After Being Cleared of Sexual Misconduct

Both National Geographic and the American Museum of Natural History closed their investigations into Tyson.

Neil deGrasse Tyson attends The 23rd Annual Webby Awards
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Image via Getty/Noam Galai/Webby Awards

Neil deGrasse Tyson attends The 23rd Annual Webby Awards

Popular astrophysicist, author, and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson has been cleared of sexual misconduct claims, according to the New York Times

A spokesperson for the American Museum of Natural History released a statement explaining that the museum has closed their investigation and Dr. Tyson will maintain his position as the head of the institution's Hayden Planetarium. 

"The museum’s investigation into allegations concerning Neil deGrasse Tyson is complete," the statement reads. "Based on the results of the investigation, Dr. Tyson remains an employee and director of the Hayden Planetarium. Because this is a confidential personnel matter, there will be no further statements by the museum."

In November, Tyson was accused by two women of behaving inappropriately. Bucknell University associate professor Katelyn N. Allers claimed that in 2009, Tyson reached up her dress when she tried to show him a tattooed depiction of the solar system. Ashley Watson, an assistant on his television show Cosmos, said she came to his apartment for work purposes where Tyson gave told her, "I want you to know that I want to hug you so bad right now, but I know that if I do, I’ll just want more." Watson left the show shortly after their encounter. 

The American Museum of Natural History decision follows the news that National Geographic has closed their investigation into the claims. Like the American Museum of Natural History, National Geographic also cleared Tyson of any misconduct and he will continue to produce Cosmos on the network. 

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