A viral kiss cam moment at a Coldplay concert has led to the resignation of a U.S. tech CEO and the administrative leave of his company’s HR chief, after the pair’s public display of affection sparked allegations of an inappropriate workplace relationship.
The video, filmed during the band’s Massachusetts concert, showed Andy Byron, then-CEO of data company Astronomer, and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot cozying up in each other’s arms on the stadium’s big screen, only to scurry off and hide from the crowd’s view after realizing cameras were briefly put on them.
Videos of the event were later published online, and audible to viewers, band vocalist Chris Martin jokingly probed, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.” Audience members and internet users quickly identified the pair, triggering online speculation over the nature of their relationship. It was then revealed by a thread of social media users that the pair had spouses and children of their own, ultimately creating their scandal.
Shortly after the video gained traction, Astronomer confirmed that both Byron and Cabot had been placed on leave as the company launched a formal internal investigation upon the incident. The company’s public statement wrote, “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.”
Byron subsequently resigned within days of the incident. In another statement from Astronomer, the company shared, “Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted.” A search for their next Chief Executive is set to begin as Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy “continues to serve as interim CEO.”
Further reports on Cabot’s leave, on the other hand, have not been made known. The company is yet to issue official details on her employment status, and no formal disciplinary action or resignation has been confirmed on her end.
The music ensemble who carried on with their tour days later playfully warned concertgoers in Madison, Wisconsin, about the event’s jumbotron segment, following the incident. Martin voiced, “How we’re gonna do that is we’re gonna use our cameras and put some of you on the big screen.”
Social media users continue to call out the pair’s misconduct and extend their well wishes to Byron and Cabots’ respective families who face the revelation and aftermath of their now publicized relationship.
