A viral moment at a Coldplay concert has caused a major scandal, leading to the resignation of a tech CEO and sparking debates about privacy, workplace ethics, and public shaming. The incident involved Andy Byron, CEO of Astronomer, and Kristin Cabot, the company’s head of HR, who were caught in an intimate embrace on the concert’s “kiss cam.”
The footage, filmed at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on July 16, 2025, quickly spread online after the couple tried to hide from the camera. Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin joked, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy,” making the moment even more awkward. Within hours, the video went viral, leading to public scrutiny, memes, and career consequences for both individuals.
How the Kiss Cam Incident Unfolded
The couple was seen on the stadium’s big screen during Coldplay’s concert. Instead of kissing, they panicked—Byron ducked, and Cabot turned away, covering her face. Their reaction raised suspicions, and internet sleuths soon identified them as high-ranking executives at Astronomer, a New York-based AI and data company.
Byron, who is married with children, and Cabot, married to Andrew Cabot (CEO of Privateer Rum), were accused of having an affair. The backlash was swift:
- Byron was placed on leave on July 19 and resigned the next day.
- Cabot also resigned shortly after.
- Astronomer issued a statement saying their leaders must uphold high standards of conduct.
“Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.” — Astronomer’s official statement
The Internet’s Reaction and Public Shaming
The scandal exploded online, with millions sharing memes, fake statements, and jokes. The Philadelphia Phillies even mocked the moment by showing their mascot, the Phillie Phanatic, hugging another green creature on their stadium screen.
Some fans found humor in the situation, while others criticized the public shaming. One TikTok user wrote:
“They are the only ones standing in that section. They literally asked for this.”
Another added:
“Right in front. Of course they were going to be on the screen.”
Meanwhile, Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan, reportedly removed his last name from her social media and deactivated her accounts.
The Broader Impact on Privacy and Workplace Ethics
The incident has sparked discussions about privacy in public spaces and workplace relationships. Experts say cameras are everywhere, and people should expect to be filmed in crowded venues.
“I’m not sure that we can assume privacy at a concert with hundreds of other people. We can’t assume privacy on the street anymore.” — Mary Angela Bock, University of Texas at Austin
The scandal also highlights the risks of workplace romances, especially between executives and HR leaders. Astronomer’s interim CEO, Pete DeJoy, acknowledged the unexpected attention:
“The spotlight has been unusual and surreal for our team… Astronomer is now a household name.”
What’s Next for Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot?
As of July 26, 2025, neither Byron nor Cabot has made a public statement. Byron’s LinkedIn profile is no longer visible, and Cabot has also stepped away from public view.
The incident has left a lasting mark, showing how quickly a private moment can become a global scandal. While Coldplay continues its tour, the viral kiss cam moment remains one of the biggest internet stories of the year.
Also read: Did The Simpsons Really Predict The Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal Involving Astronomer CEO Andy Byron?
Credits: Sources include NPR, CNBC, The Guardian, NY Post, and CNN.
