Hot Mic, Hot Mess: Tech CEO Sidelined After Cozy Coldplay Clinch
Astronomer places CEO Andy Byron on leave following online uproar over a concert video showing apparent intimacy with HR executive
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American tech company Astronomer has suspended CEO Andy Byron after a video from a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts went viral and stirred a storm of controversy online. The clip, recorded at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, appeared to show Byron embracing the company’s head of human resources, Kristin Cabot.
In the footage, the pair are seen swaying to the music with their arms wrapped around each other. When their image appeared on the stadium’s giant screen, they quickly ducked and attempted to hide, an action that fueled speculation about the nature of their relationship. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin reacted from the stage, quipping, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy,” adding to the buzz around the moment.
The video was originally posted to TikTok and quickly exploded across social media platforms, amassing millions of views and inspiring countless memes and talk show jokes.
By Friday evening, Astronomer confirmed via the platform X that Byron had been placed on leave. The company emphasized that an internal investigation was underway, though it did not directly reference the video.
“Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding,” the company said in a statement. “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in behavior and accountability. The board of directors has initiated a formal inquiry, and we will share more details very soon.”
Co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy has been appointed interim CEO. Reports widely identified Byron, who joined Astronomer in July 2023 and is married, as the man in the clip. Cabot joined the company in November 2024.
The unfolding situation continues to captivate online audiences as the company moves forward with its investigation.