A recent rumor is circulating on social media, claiming the arrest of astrophysicist and former high school wrestler Neil deGrasse Tyson in 2025.
Let’s set the record straight: Neil deGrasse Tyson has not been arrested.
The 66-year-old scientist is currently busy with his nationwide stage shows and science-themed speaking tours across the U.S.
So, where did this arrest rumor come from?
It may have resurfaced due to past controversies involving Tyson, specifically, the sexual misconduct allegations that emerged in late 2018.
Neil deGrasse Tyson Was The Captain Of His High School Wrestling Team
Long before he became a household name for making astrophysics accessible to the masses, Neil deGrasse Tyson was an accomplished athlete.
He was undefeated as captain of his high school wrestling team and later joined the Harvard University wrestling team, lettering in his senior year.
Tyson once said, wrestling taught him character and discipline, lessons he carried into both science and public life.
He also rowed for a brief period and was known for having the top ergometer (rowing machine) score among his peers.
A real American badass.
— Derrick Pearson (@derrickpearson) August 25, 2024
Neil DeGrasse Tyson
Undefeated high school wrestler and team captain
Play basketball next to Walt Clyde Frazier
Ran a 4:25 mile
Wrestling at Harvard
Masters Texas
PhD Columbia
Astrophysicist pic.twitter.com/hefE7aZq14
Still, he found wrestling far more engaging, calling it a sport of “pure contest” between individuals.
Neil deGrasse Tyson Was Accused Of Sexual Harassment By Multiple Women
In November and December of 2018, multiple women came forward accusing Tyson of sexual misconduct.
A woman, who goes by the name Tchiya Amet El Maat accused Tyson of drugging and raping her in 1984 when both were graduate students at the University of Texas, Austin.
Similarly, Katelyn Allers, a Bucknell University professor, said Tyson inappropriately touched her at an academic conference in 2009 while inspecting a tattoo on her shoulder.
Ashley Watson, Tyson’s former assistant on Cosmos, claimed he made inappropriate advances at his apartment in 2018, which led her to resign.
Furthermore, an anonymous woman alleged that Tyson made inappropriate comments during a holiday party in 2010.
Tyson publicly responded to each accusation in a lengthy Facebook post titled “On Being Accused,” where he denied the rape allegation and described the other incidents as misunderstandings.
Following the accusations, several organizations launched investigations, including Fox, National Geographic, and the American Museum of Natural History.
By March 2019, both television networks completed their investigations and decided to move forward with their programs.
Likewise, the Museum of Natural History allowed Tyson to keep his role after completing their own internal investigation, issuing a brief statement confirming his employment status.
While some of the accusers, such as Allers and Amet, expressed disappointment with the outcomes, no criminal charges were ever filed, and Tyson has continued his work publicly and professionally since then.
Neil deGrasse Tyson Spoke Up After The Investigation Was Over
Tyson acknowledged that some of his actions, especially those involving physical contact, were perceived as inappropriate and apologized for making anyone uncomfortable.
Still, he maintained that none of his actions were intended as harassment or abuse.
In his words, he was “grateful for the support” from those who continued to value his contributions to science and education.
Hence, as of now, Neil deGrasse Tyson has not been arrested in 2025, nor is there any legal action pending against him.
He remains active in public life, touring with science shows, engaging with fans, and continuing to demystify the cosmos for millions.
