We were told to #BelieveWomen, but for some reason, both Fox Broadcasting Company and National Geographic are investigating multiple sexual assault allegations being leveled at astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson as if there were a possibility they’re not true.
NEW: Fox Broadcasting Company and National Geographic are investigating astrophysicist and Cosmos host Neil deGrasse Tyson after three women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. https://t.co/VowHAbmOiC
— Yashar Ali ? (@yashar) December 1, 2018
Tyson, apparently realizing this news wasn’t going to disappear into a black hole, addressed each of the three allegations in a very lengthy and detailed Facebook post Saturday:
***On Being Accused***https://t.co/8MWD9ttSId
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) December 1, 2018
Let’s have a look, shall we, at what it’s like for a man to be accused of sexual harassment when he claims he’s innocent:
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.
Is Tyson really questioning today’s #MeToo climate and suggesting evidence matters?
All that aside, we have to include the bit about his “special” handshake that a production assistant might have found creepy:
Further, I never touched her until I shook her hand upon departure. On that occasion, I had offered a special handshake, one I learned from a Native elder on reservation land at the edge of the Grand Canyon. You extend your thumb forward during the handshake to feel the other person’s vital spirit energy — the pulse. I’ve never forgotten that handshake, and I save it in appreciation of people with whom I’ve developed new friendships.
Believe Women.
— Steve (@Steven_Patz) December 1, 2018
Believe Due Process.
— MrKindaOkAtPhysicsButRlyGoodAtODE (@MrPhysicsTwitch) December 1, 2018
Oh, so due process is cool again?
Neil. Male or female. I would bet EVERYTHING I own that almost EVERYONE has done something that today would b called sexual harassment. I believe in “me too” but $ is the root OF EVILmen & women can b gold diggers !! hang in?
— Wendy Jenkins (@_WendyJenks) December 1, 2018
Reading your statement I don't think you have done anything wrong and this Me Too thing is becoming ridiculous and will ultimately be damaging to women who really do have something to complain about.
— carpefelinus (@carpefelinus1) December 1, 2018
You have my support, Neil.
— Kristina Hinojosa (@KrisHino) December 1, 2018
I love you Mr. Tyson and I believe you wholeheartedly
— Ingrid Ancona (@IngridTwinkie) December 1, 2018
Totally believe you. Stay strong
— Johnny A (@barrowbits) December 1, 2018
if these accusers were people who worked with u and respected u, they'll most likely understand your explanation. i think everyone knows ur not the kind of person to make other people uncomfortable on purpose.
— Perempt (@Perempt_) December 1, 2018
damn i believe you
— Paran Bharali (@paran_exist) December 1, 2018
People tend to believe false information just to make theirselves known,superior to others or destroy a reputation. One side of the coin doesn't give the whole story and I hope that you get the justice that you deserve. I'll be rooting for you??
— もの の あわれ (@myzelaparece) December 1, 2018
I don't believe you're guilty of anything except feeding and encouraging the post-marxist alligators that are now trying to eat you. https://t.co/U64B6RKUr8
— FilmLadd (@FilmLadd) December 1, 2018
It’s extreme but wealthy or famous people should refuse to be alone with the opposite sex.
— J (@javinsac) December 1, 2018
Just realize that if you’re Vice President Mike Pence and make that your policy, you’ll be ridiculed endlessly for “not being able to control yourself.” “It’s like saying, ‘I can’t meet you alone or I might assault you,’” wrote an editor of Christianity Today in the New York Times.
What you’re going through, is what a good man named Brett Kavanaugh went through. Hopefully that this will shine light on how important: innocent until proven guilty is. You’re in my prayers.
— Mike Ryals (@mikesci79) December 1, 2018
Related:
'So much for Believe All Women'? Michael Avenatti may get off with a misdemeanor charge (if that) https://t.co/ZpURy6ajlb
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) November 21, 2018
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