'Affair or just shy?': Chris Martin puts Astronomer CEO Andy Byron & his HR in awkward spot; 10 key things about the Coldplay concert scandal

Trending

+Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

Astronomer’s CEO, Andy Byron, and Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot, are embroiled in controversy after a viral “kiss cam” moment at a Coldplay concert fueled affair allegations. The incident triggered a social media firestorm, prompting scrutiny of the company’s culture and leadership. Amidst silence from Astronomer, former employees have criticized Byron’s leadership, further escalating the reputational crisis.

Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot have ignited a social media firestorm after being caught on the jumbotron during a Coldplay concert in Boston. The footage, which shows the pair in a close embrace during the event’s “kiss cam” segment, has gone viral—sparking widespread speculation about an alleged affair between the two married executives.Neither Byron nor Cabot has responded publicly, and Astronomer has issued no official statement. Online reactions have been swift and unforgiving, with attention now turning to the company’s leadership culture, the response (or lack thereof) from those involved, and the impact on the CEO’s family.At a Coldplay concert on July 16 at Gillette Stadium, Byron and Cabot were caught by the stadium’s “kiss cam.” As the jumbotron focused on them, Byron held Cabot from behind as both smiled awkwardly. The moment became even more charged when Coldplay frontman Chris Martin joked, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy.” That single comment turned an awkward moment into a fullblown internet scandal.

Andy Byron’s Wife FIRES BACK as Astronomer CEO’s ‘Affair’ Gets EXPOSED at Coldplay Gig | VIRAL

The short clip of the encounter racked up over 34 million views across TikTok, Twitter, and Reddit. Dubbed “ColdplayGate,” the video has triggered a flood of reactions, with viewers slamming the pair for perceived impropriety.

The rapid viral spread also saw memes and Coldplaylyric puns dominate LinkedIn comments and social media posts mocking Byron.Amid the uproar, attention turned to Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron. Social media users flooded her Facebook account with comments, prompting her to first remove “Byron” from her profile and then delete the account entirely. Online, many expressed sympathy, describing her as the “real victim” of the incident. She has made no public statement.The incident has reignited claims of a “toxic” work environment at Astronomer. Viewers identified a third employee, Alyssa Stoddard, smiling knowingly in the video. She had recently been promoted by Cabot, raising questions about internal favouritism and blurred boundaries in the company’s leadership culture.Following a barrage of critical comments—including Coldplaythemed jabs like “Lights did not guide Andy home”—Andy Byron disabled comments on all LinkedIn posts and eventually deleted his entire profile. Screenshots of these comments, however, continue to circulate widely, fuelling ongoing ridicule.Despite the widespread attention, Astronomer has remained silent. The company has turned off comments on its social media accounts, and no official statement has been issued by Byron, Cabot, or the board. This silence has only intensified public criticism and raised further questions about accountability.The Coldplay frontman’s comment—“Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy”—added fuel to the fire. Martin’s reaction, combined with the couple’s visible discomfort on camera, led to increased speculation. Coldplay’s official X account later joked about “camerafree sections for people and their sidepieces,” adding to the virality.Internet users uncovered that Cabot also goes by the name Kristin Thornby and may be married to Kenneth C. Thornby, though her current marital status remains unclear. Meanwhile, Byron is confirmed to be married with two children and owns a home near the concert venue. His family’s privacy has become collateral damage in the scandal.Several exemployees have taken the opportunity to criticise Byron’s leadership. One described him as “toxic” and “salesobsessed,” with others calling the public fallout “karmic justice.” Allegations of highpressure work environments and personal misconduct have resurfaced from his previous role at Cybereason.Adding to the scandal’s reach, Elon Musk responded to a viral fake apology statement with a laughing emoji on X. Meanwhile, Astronomer cofounder Ry Walker publicly distanced himself, clarifying he left the company in 2022 and is uninvolved in current operations. The company’s future now faces significant reputational risk as the saga unfolds.

TOI World Desk

At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.Read More

End of Article