A Coldplay concert turned into an unexpected PR crisis for data software company Astronomer after a viral “kiss cam” moment featured CEO Andy Byron and HR Chief Kristin Cabot in what appeared to be an intimate embrace.
The video, which captured the two on the big screen during a show in California, led to millions of views across TikTok and social media platforms. Coldplay’s Chris Martin jokingly commented on the couple, unknowingly sparking a storm that quickly reached Astronomer’s boardroom.
Who Is Now Leading Astronomer?
Following the viral incident, Astronomer placed CEO Andy Byron on administrative leave. In the same move, Kristin Cabot, the company’s Chief People Officer (HR Head), was also placed on leave.
Taking charge temporarily is Pete DeJoy, the company’s Co-founder and Chief Product Officer, who is now serving as the interim CEO.
Why Was the Action Taken?
Although the video shows a private moment, the public nature of their roles raised questions about workplace ethics and professional boundaries. The board of Astronomer released a statement saying a formal investigation has been launched to assess if company policies or codes of conduct were violated.
The company also clarified that no apology had been issued and that any circulating statements online were fake.
What Are People Saying?
Online reactions were swift and divided. Some criticized the public judgment over a personal moment, while others questioned the power dynamics involved when a CEO and HR head are romantically involved.
The incident has also led to a wider conversation about privacy in public spaces, corporate culture, and how quickly private moments can become viral scandals in the digital age.
What’s Next for Astronomer?
Astronomer has promised to provide further updates in the coming days after completing its internal investigation. The company's future leadership decisions and potential policy changes will likely depend on the outcome.
Meanwhile, employees and stakeholders are watching closely to see how this impacts the company’s culture and operations moving forward.
What Happened at the Coldplay Concert to Andy Byron?
During a Coldplay concert on July 16, 2025, in California, a “kiss cam” moment broadcasted on the stadium’s Jumbotron captured Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot in an intimate embrace. Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin even commented on the moment, joking they might be “having an affair or just very shy.” The video went viral within hours, amassing millions of views on TikTok and social media. What was supposed to be a fun concert moment turned into a turning point for Andy Byron, leading to public scrutiny and eventually his suspension from the company he was leading.
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Astronomer CEO, Andy Byron, Kristin Cabot, Coldplay Kiss Cam, Tech CEO Scandal, Astronomer Interim CEO, Pete DeJoy, Workplace Ethics, Viral Tech News cold play cheaters