In 2002, Bart Sibrel, a filmmaker, accosted Buzz Aldrin, the Apollo 11 astronaut, in a hotel lobby in Los Angeles. Sibrel was known for his conspiracy theories that the moon landing was staged, and he approached Aldrin with a camera, demanding that he swear on a Bible that he had actually walked on the moon. The encounter was captured on video, which shows Aldrin striking Sibrel in the face with a punch.
According to news reports, Aldrin had previously been confronted by Sibrel on several occasions and had ignored him, but this time, he took a different approach. After being repeatedly accosted and called a liar, Aldrin lost his temper and punched Sibrel. In a later interview, Aldrin stated that he had “had enough” of Sibrel’s harassment and that he was acting in self-defense.
Sibrel pressed charges against Aldrin for battery, but the case was dismissed by a judge. The judge ruled that Aldrin’s actions were reasonable given the circumstances and that he was entitled to use force to protect himself.
The incident highlights the frustration felt by many astronauts and space professionals who have been subjected to conspiracy theories and harassment. Despite overwhelming evidence and numerous scientific studies, conspiracy theorists continue to spread false information and harass those who have dedicated their lives to exploring space.
In conclusion, Buzz Aldrin punched Bart Sibrel in the face after being repeatedly accosted and called a liar by the filmmaker, who was known for promoting conspiracy theories about the moon landing being staged. The incident took place in 2002 in a hotel lobby in Los Angeles and was captured on video. Aldrin was later cleared of battery charges by a judge, who ruled that his actions were reasonable given the circumstances. This incident highlights the frustration felt by many astronauts and space professionals who have been subjected to conspiracy theories and harassment.
