Astronomer is facing a corporate crisis after CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot were caught in an intimate moment on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert, igniting widespread speculation of an affair. The viral footage, further amplified by a joke from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, triggered a media frenzy and prompted swift action from the company.

In an official statement, Astronomer announced that Byron has been placed on leave pending an internal investigation. Cofounder Pete DeJoy has stepped in as interim CEO. The company emphasized its commitment to ethical conduct and transparency, noting that further updates would follow as the situation unfolds.

Shortly after the incident, a fake apology attributed to Byron circulated online, falsely claiming he admitted wrongdoing and was stepping back to reflect. Astronomer confirmed the statement was fabricated and reiterated that only Byron and Cabot were involved in the incident. The company also cleared employee Alyssa Stoddard, who had been incorrectly implicated in early social media speculation.

The scandal has sparked broader conversations around workplace relationships and executive accountability. Byron’s wife, Megan, reportedly deactivated her social media accounts after the footage gained traction, and both Byron and Cabot have since removed their online profiles, fueling further intrigue and public scrutiny.

With the formal investigation ongoing, the situation has raised difficult questions about leadership, privacy, and professional ethics at the highest levels of corporate management. The Board of Directors has committed to a thorough review and promises transparency as the story continues to develop.