A Coldplay concert in Boston on July 16th sparked a viral scandal when the band’s iconic “Kiss Cam” captured an awkward moment between Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and the company’s Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot. As the camera focused on the pair, Byron ducked and Cabot turned away, prompting frontman Chris Martin to joke, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.” The light-hearted moment quickly snowballed into a full-blown internet frenzy.
Online sleuths quickly identified the pair, and social media erupted with speculation about a possible office affair. Given Byron’s marital status and Cabot’s prominent HR role, the awkward footage ignited debates about workplace ethics, infidelity, and power dynamics. One TikTok user quipped, “Imagine getting caught by Coldplay,” while others noted the potential legal and professional consequences.
As the video gained traction, scrutiny intensified. Cabot’s 2022 divorce became public knowledge, yet viewers noted she appeared to wear a wedding ring. Meanwhile, Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, removed her married name from social media and eventually deactivated her accounts, fueling rumors of personal fallout.
The scandal also revived past controversies from Byron’s tenure at cybersecurity firm Cybereason, where former employees described him as “combative” and responsible for a toxic workplace. Though Byron denied these claims, they’ve resurfaced amid renewed attention to his leadership.
Astronomer has yet to issue a statement. With public opinion turning sharply, especially against Byron, many are questioning the company’s silence and the implications of an HR executive possibly entangled in a scandal that could affect company trust and culture.