Data infrastructure company Astronomer has placed CEO Andy Byron on leave after a “kiss cam” moment at a recent Coldplay concert went viral.
During the band’s Music of the Spheres World Tour stop at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, what is believed to be Byron and Astronomer HR chief Kristin Cabot were unexpectedly captured canoodling on the jumbotron.
Both had a mortified reaction and immediately stopped embracing, leading Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin to question if they were “having an affair” or “very shy.” If it was the Astronomer employees, both are married, just not to each other.
Announcing the business decision on Friday (July 18), Astronomer shared that Byron would be placed on leave pending investigation.
“Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding,” the statement on X read. “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.”
The company also confirmed that Astronomer VP of People Alyssa Stoddard “was not at the event,” disputing rumors that she attended the show with Byron and Cabot. Astronomer also denied that Byron released a statement after a false one went viral after the incident.
Byron has served as Astronomer CEO since 2023. While the moment may have caused a strain between Byron and Cabot’s respective marriages, it made for quality jokes on social media, with many weighing in on the viral moment, including 50 Cent.
Check out some of the social media reactions below:
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