A seemingly lighthearted moment at a Coldplay concert has triggered major consequences for tech company Astronomer and its now-former CEO, Andy Byron. During a show at Gillette Stadium, the stadium’s kiss cam focused on Byron and Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s Chief People Officer. As the camera zoomed in, Byron quickly ducked out of frame while Cabot looked visibly flustered, covering her face. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin jokingly commented, “Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy.”
The clip quickly went viral on TikTok, racking up over 100 million views and generating memes, parodies, and widespread discussion. The Philadelphia Phillies even recreated the moment during one of their games, cementing its status as a cultural flashpoint. While neither Byron nor Cabot issued a public statement, the fallout was swift and significant.
Soon after the video gained traction, Byron resigned as CEO of Astronomer. While the company did not provide a detailed explanation, internal sources cited growing concern over the relationship’s ethical implications, particularly in a workplace setting. The optics of a CEO appearing romantically involved with a subordinate sparked criticism, especially given their respective leadership roles.
The scandal also reportedly affected investor relationships. Golf legend Tiger Woods, an early supporter of Astronomer, chose to sever ties with the company, referencing a “commitment to workplace integrity.” His departure added fuel to the fire and underscored the serious reputational damage the company suffered in the wake of the viral moment.
Astronomer has only released a brief confirmation of Byron’s resignation, noting it was “effective immediately.” No comments have been made regarding Kristin Cabot’s current role or future with the company. The silence has left many questioning whether further leadership changes are coming.
What began as an awkward moment on a stadium kiss cam has turned into a full-blown controversy with professional, ethical, and financial ramifications. For Andy Byron, the incident may have cost him his career, while Astronomer faces a leadership vacuum and reputational challenge. The episode has reignited debates around workplace relationships, power dynamics, and the consequences of viral exposure in the digital age.
