Neil deGrasse Tyson has been criticised for his tweets on the recent mass shootings in the US. Photo / Getty Images
Neil deGrasse Tyson has been criticised for his tweets on the recent mass shootings in the US. Photo / Getty Images
Celebrities have taken to Twitter to express their condolences and call for stricter gun control following the mass shootings in Texas and Ohio.
But a post by celebrity astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has backfired with Twitter users accusing him of being tasteless, reports news.com.au.
"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.
Shootings this weekend in Texas and Ohio left at least 29 dead and 52 injured in less than 24 hours.
D. Earl Stephens said: "Thanks. I didn't think I could get any more depressed today. What a completely sick and ludicrous thought from somebody I am 100 per cent sure knows better".
Scientist Andrew Baggarly responded: "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."
Filmmaker Adam Best pointed out: "Cars are more regulated than assault weapons in much of the country."
"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 astounded: "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".
Another user replied: "Neil, I used to think that you were as cool as the other side of the pillow. Now I just think you're COLD."
Celebrities including Rihanna, Lili Reinhart, Nick Jonas, and Reese Witherspoon expressed their sympathies for the victims and called for gun control reform.
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
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
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. #daytonshootinghttps://t.co/IX5WS39CFk
