Tyson denies harass claims

Responding to a pair of shocking assertions of sexual harassment, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson issued a lengthy denial Saturday.

Astronomer Dr. Katelyn Allers and former Tyson assistant Ashley Watson claimed in stories Thursday on Patheos.com Tyson acted inappropriately toward them.

Allers claims Tyson groped her at a party in 2009; she said Tyson was “searching up her dress.” Tyson says he was admiring a tattoo that ran under part of her dress’ shoulder.

“I only just learned (nine years after) that she thought this behavior creepy. That was never my intent and I’m deeply sorry,” he said.

Watson said she felt uncomfortable last summer after Tyson gave her a special handshake. He apologized then; she accepted his apology.

Previously, Tyson said he void hugging her. “If I hug you I might just want more,” Tyson told her.