A viral theory claims that The Simpsons predicted the recent Coldplay concert kiss cam scandal involving Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot. The incident has sparked debates online, with many pointing to an old episode of the show as proof. But is this claim true?
During a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on July 16, 2025, the kiss cam captured Byron and Cabot in an intimate moment. Frontman Chris Martin joked, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy.” The clip went viral, leading to intense speculation about their relationship.
The Viral Simpsons Prediction Theory
Social media users quickly shared an image claiming to be from The Simpsons, showing two characters in a similar pose to Byron and Cabot. Some said it was from Season 28, Episode 8, titled “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bangalore”, while others pointed to Season 26, Episode 10, “The Man Who Came to Be Dinner”.
“Is there anything the Simpsons don’t know!! Tech CEO Andy Byron’s SECRET relationship with HR head Kristin Cabot EXPOSED after Coldplay concert & the Internet did its thing.”
โ A user on X (formerly Twitter)
However, fact-checkers and show producers have debunked the claim. The viral image was found to be AI-generated, not from an actual episode.
What The Simpsons Creators Say
Al Jean, the showrunner of The Simpsons, dismissed the idea that the show predicted the scandal.
“We write satire, not prophecy. Any similarity is pure luck.”
โ Al Jean, The Simpsons Showrunner
Experts confirmed that the circulating image was fake. Hive Moderation, an AI-detection platform, reported a 99.9% chance the image was AI-generated.
The Real Episode Behind The Confusion
Some fans confused the viral moment with Season 17, Episode 22, titled “Marge and Homer Turn a Couple Play”, where the couple appears on a kiss cam at a baseball game. However, the scene does not match the Byron-Cabot situation.
Another episode, “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bangalore”, from Season 17, also features a kiss cam moment, but again, there is no direct link to the Coldplay scandal.
The Aftermath Of The Coldplay Scandal
Following the viral clip, Astronomer Inc. launched an investigation. Andy Byron resigned as CEO, and Pete DeJoy, the company’s co-founder, took over as interim CEO.
“Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability.”
โ Astronomer Inc. official statement
The company emphasized transparency, stating that Byronโs resignation was accepted after their standards were “not met.”
Modern Familyโs Similar Kiss Cam Moment
Interestingly, another TV show, Modern Family, had a scene resembling the Coldplay incident. In Season 1, Phil Dunphy gets into trouble after being caught on a kiss cam with Gloria Pritchett, leading to a misunderstanding with his wife.
While this was fictional, the parallels with the real-life scandal amused fans.
Why Do People Believe The Simpsons Predicts The Future?
The Simpsons has a history of seemingly predicting real-world events, from smartwatches to political outcomes. However, most claims are exaggerations or coincidences.
“The sourpuss answer I always give that no one likes is that if you study history and math, it would be literally impossible for us not to predict things.”
โ Matt Selman, The Simpsons Executive Producer
Experts say the showโs satirical take on society sometimes aligns with real events, but itโs not intentional prophecy.
The Role Of AI In Spreading Fake Predictions
The Byron-Cabot scandal highlights how AI-generated images can spread misinformation. Fake Simpsons screenshots fooled many, showing how easily manipulated content can go viral.
Fact-checkers urge people to verify such claims before sharing them.
Public Reactions And Memes
The internet exploded with memes and jokes about the scandal. Some fans recreated the moment, while others made parodies of Coldplay songs.
“The Simpsons predicting the future YET AGAIN of the CEO at Coldplay situation.”
โ Another social media user
Even Major League Baseball joined in, with the Philadelphia Phillies’ mascot recreating the awkward kiss cam moment.
Astronomerโs Next Steps
With Byronโs resignation, the company is searching for a new CEO. Kristin Cabotโs current status remains unclear, but the investigation is ongoing.
Also read: Meet the Cast of Almost Family: A Look at the Stars and Their Roles in the Comedy Film
Credits: Compiled from verified reports by Snopes, Times of India, Yahoo Entertainment, NDTV, and Hindustan Times.
