Astronomer CEO Andy Byron suspended after Coldplay kiss cam drama
The tech CEO at the centre of the Coldplay kiss cam story that set the internet alight has been put on leave. Astronomer boss Andy Byron has been accused of having an affair with head of HR Kristin Cabot after the pair appeared to be caught off guard with their arms wrapped around each other.
An investigation was launched soon after by the $1.3billion software firm, who have confirmed their CEO has been suspended. An official statement on LinkedIn said: ‘Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy is currently serving as interim CEO given Andy Byron has been placed on leave. We will share more details as appropriate in the coming days.’
Byron, who heads up Astronomer, was shown on a kiss cam with his arms around the company’s head of HR Kristin Cabot at a packed Coldplay concert in Boston on Wednesday. When they realise they’re on camera they quickly disentangle, Byron ducks out of view while Cabot turns around before eventually moving out of the shot.
Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin jokingly remarks: ‘Oh look at these two. Either they are having an affair or they’re just really shy.’
The clip was shared online, went viral and internet sleuths quickly worked out who the pair were, claiming they are not a couple, and Byron is actually married to Megan Kerrigan Byron. Megan’s social media disappeared not long after. Later, another clip was shared on X showing Martin looking mortified, before saying nervously to the audience: ‘I hope we didn’t do something bad…’
On Friday, the company put out an official statement on LinkedIn about the video, saying: ‘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.
‘The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter, and we will have additional details to share very shortly.’
They also confirmed earlier in the week that Byron has not released any statement and reports suggesting otherwise ‘are all incorrect’.
A statement had emerged on Thursday claiming to be from Byron.
The ‘fake’ statement read: ‘I want to acknowledge the moment that’s been circulating online, and the disappointment it’s caused.
‘What was supposed to be a night of music and joy turned into a deeply personal mistake play-out out on a very public stage. I want to sincerely apologize to my wife, my family, and my team at Astronomer. You deserve better from me as a partner, as a father, and as a leader.
‘This is not who I want to be or how I want to represent the company I helped build. I’m taking time to reflect, take accountability, and figure out the next steps, personally and professionally. I ask for privacy as I navigate that process.
‘I also want to express how troubling it is that what should have been a private moment became public without my consent. I respect artists and entertainers, but I hope we can all think more deeply about the impact of turning someone else’s life into a spectacle.
‘As a friend once sang: “Lights will guide you home, and ignite your bones, and I will try to fix you.”‘
For those not familiar with the band, the last line is from a Cold Play song.
Meanwhile, the woman who filmed the clip, Grace Springer, 28, from New Jersey, stands by sharing it online.
She told The U.S. Sun: ‘I had no idea who the couple was. Just thought I caught an interesting reaction to the kiss cam and decided to post it.
‘A part of me feels bad for turning these people’s lives upside down, but, play stupid games… win stupid prizes.
‘I hope their partners can heal from this and get a second chance at the happiness they deserve with their future still in front of them.’
She added that she hoped the video would be a ‘blessing in disguise’ for them.
Some online posters criticised the pair for their apparent affair, while many saw the humorous side.
One wrote: ‘Coldplay hasn’t made a single in years. Last night they made two.’
Another added: ‘What’s worse, finding out your spouse is cheating or that they’re a fan of Coldplay?’
Byron has been CEO of Astronomer since July 2023 Cabot joined the company as chief people officer just nine months ago.
Coldplay is on their record-breaking Music of the Spheres tour, which kicked off in 2022 and is due to end at London’s Wembley Stadium in September this year.