Celebrity astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson’s tweet over US shootings slammed

A single tweet from respected scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson triggered a storm of angry responses. Now he’s admitted he miscalculated.

Neil deGrasse Tyson has apologised after his Twitter reaction to the Ohio and Texas mass shootings created a storm.

The celebrity astrophysicist has been accused of using data to belittle the attacks on the weekend which claimed the lives of dozens of adults and children.

“In the past 48hrs, the USA horrifically lost 34 people to mass shootings,” deGrasse Tyson wrote, claiming, “on average, across any 48hrs, we also lose … 500 to Medical errors 300 to the Flu 250 to Suicide 200 to Car Accidents 40 to Homicide via Handgun.”

“Often our emotions respond more to spectacle than to data,” he added.

Neil deGrasse Tyson has apologised for being insensitive. Picture: AP

Tyson’s comments were badly received with other personalities calling them tasteless and insensitive.

Scientist Andrew Baggarly replied: “Making a didactic if factually accurate point does not always equate to intelligent or productive discourse. And this was neither intelligent nor productive. Disappointed to read this from you.”

“What is the scientific term for “tone-deafness?” asked John Pavlovitz, author of the book Hope and Other Superpowers.

American sports journalist Rich Eisen was left gobsmacked.

Imagine going to the store or a bar and getting shot at or killed or having a loved one shot at or killed and a supposed genius tells 13 million people it’s all just a spectacle because, really, statistically, it’s not all that bad compared to other ways you could suddenly die.

— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) August 4, 2019

As Americas reels from the shock of two mass shootings in one weekend, Tyson had no choice but to apologise.

“My intent was to offer objectively true information that might help shape conversations and reactions to preventable ways we die. Where I miscalculated was that I genuinely believed the Tweet would be helpful to anyone trying to save lives in America,” Tyson said in a statement titled “TweetStorm” posted on Facebook.

He continued: “What I learned from the range of reactions is that for many people, some information — my Tweet in particular — can be true but unhelpful, especially at a time when many people are either still in shock, or trying to heal — or both.

“So if you are one of those people, I apologize for not knowing in advance what effect my Tweet could have on you. I am therefore thankful for the candor and depth of critical reactions shared in my Twitter feed. As an educator, I personally value knowing with precision and accuracy what reaction anything that I say (or write) will instill in my audience, and I got this one wrong.”

Tyson wasn’t the only celebrity to land in hot water over his remarks.

A tweet by Ivanka Trump also backfired.

“As our nation mourns the senseless loss of life in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, and prays for the victims and their loved ones, we must also raise our voices in rejection of these heinous and cowardly acts of hate, terror and violence,” Ivanka tweeted.

“White supremacy, like all other forms of terrorism, is an evil that must be destroyed.”

Ivanka Trump, adviser and daughter of US President Donald Trump says white supremacy is a form of terrorism. Picture: AFP

Commenters immediately jumped on the First Daughter with suggestions that she tag her father, President Donald Trump, given his penchant for fuelling divisive attitudes, and immigration policies that have sequestered undocumented migrants in squalid conditions at the US-Mexico border.

“Are you punking us right now?,” television host Andy Cohen replied.

“Your father is a white supremacist,” mental health counsellor and author Jeffrey Guterman replied.

Other celebrities took to social media to express their condolences and call for stricter gun control following the mass shootings. Among them Rihanna, Lili Reinhart, Nick Jonas, and Reese Witherspoon.

Heartbroken hearing the news from El Paso. Sending my thoughts and prayers to all the victims and families. So sad. So senseless. We need change.

— Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) August 4, 2019

Woke up to the news of #DaytonOH shooting. This senseless loss of life is unbearable. When will our US representatives give the people of this country the common sense gun laws we are all demanding? I’m calling my congressman. Again. @Everytown

— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) August 4, 2019

Any member of congress who is not actively in the fight for gun safety reform, is not fit to represent us. Period. The inaction is reprehensible. 2 mass shootings in 24 hours? We simply can’t stand by and let this continue to happen. #VoteThemOut

— Mandy Moore (@TheMandyMoore) August 4, 2019

Malls, elementary schools, workplaces, food festivals, concerts, movie theaters, places of worship— our lack of responsible #guncontrolnow laws are destroying innocent lives everywhere. My heart is devastated for all the victims & their families.

— Constance Wu (@ConstanceWu) August 4, 2019

Democrat Gabrielle Giffords, a victim of an assassination attempt near Tucson in 2011, said the Senate must return from August recess immediately to take action.

I have no more words. I only have anger. President Donald Trump and Leader Mitch McConnell must call the Senate back from August recess immediately. We cannot afford to wait another day for lawmakers to address this horrific national public safety threat. #daytonshooting https://t.co/IX5WS39CFk

— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) August 4, 2019