The tech CEO at the centre of the viral Coldplay “kiss cam” incident has stepped down, following intense public scrutiny and internal investigation.
Impact of the Incident on Astronomer’s Leadership
Andy Byron, the chief executive of the $1.3 billion software firm Astronomer, tendered his resignation days after he was captured on camera in what appeared to be an intimate moment with the company’s head of HR, Kristin Cabot.
Footage from the concert showed the pair with their arms around each other before quickly pulling away when they realised they were on the big screen, fuelling speculation about their relationship.
The company confirmed Byron’s resignation in a statement shared on LinkedIn. “As stated previously, Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding,” the message read.
It added: “Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted. The Board will begin a search for our next Chief Executive as Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy continues to serve as interim CEO.”
Byron and Cabot were filmed on Wednesday during a Coldplay concert in Boston. As the kiss cam focused on the audience, the camera lingered on the pair, who appeared startled.
When they realised they were being projected on screen, Byron quickly ducked out of sight while Cabot turned away, later walking out of frame entirely.
The moment caught the attention of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who joked on stage: “Oh look at these two. Either they are having an affair or they’re just really shy.”
The video went viral across social media platforms, with users quickly identifying the two employees and alleging that Byron was married at the time.
Indeed, internet sleuths claimed that Byron is married to Megan Kerrigan Byron. Not long after the clip gained traction, Megan’s social media accounts appeared to be deactivated.
The fallout intensified as another video showed Chris Martin looking visibly uneasy after the kiss cam moment, apologising to the audience: “I hope we didn’t do something bad…”
On Friday, Astronomer issued a fresh statement confirming a formal probe had been launched into the matter. “Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding,” the company stated.
“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 firm also addressed misinformation circulating online, stressing that Byron had not issued any public statement and that reports claiming otherwise were “all incorrect.”
A lengthy message purportedly from Byron had circulated a day earlier, in which he appeared to express remorse and ask for privacy. However, the company later clarified that the statement was not authentic.
The ‘fake’ message read in part: “I want to sincerely apologise 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.”
It continued: “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.”
The message ended with a line from Coldplay’s hit song “Fix You”: “Lights will guide you home, and ignite your bones, and I will try to fix you.”
Some observers criticised the exploitation of the couple’s private moment, while others insisted public figures must be accountable for actions caught on camera.
Grace Springer, 28, from New Jersey, who filmed and posted the original clip, defended her decision to share it online. “I had no idea who the couple was,” she told The U.S. Sun.
She said: “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.”
Springer added that she hoped the video could be “a blessing in disguise” for those involved. “I hope their partners can heal from this and get a second chance at the happiness they deserve.”
The internet, meanwhile, was divided. While some expressed anger at the pair, others responded with humour. “Coldplay hasn’t made a single in years. Last night they made two,” one user joked.
Another quipped: “What’s worse, finding out your spouse is cheating or that they’re a fan of Coldplay?”
Andy Byron had led Astronomer as CEO since July 2023. Kristin Cabot, the company’s chief people officer, joined just nine months ago.
Astronomer, a fast-growing firm in the data orchestration space, has remained tight-lipped on whether further disciplinary action will follow.
The company has reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of ethics and leadership as it begins the search for a permanent new CEO.
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres world tour, during which the video was filmed, began in 2022 and is set to conclude in September 2025 at London’s Wembley Stadium.
Astronomer has been contacted for further comment.
