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.
Here are 10 key developments:
Viral Coldplay moment sparks controversy
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.
Social media backlash hits hard
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.
Sympathy pours in for CEO’s wife
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.
Allegations of toxic culture at Astronomer
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.
CEO shuts down LinkedIn activity
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.
No word from Astronomer leadership
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.
Chris Martin’s onstage quip goes viral
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.
Online sleuths dig into personal lives
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.
Former employees speak out
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.
Elon Musk, company founder weigh in
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.
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.
Here are 10 key developments:
Viral Coldplay moment sparks controversy
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.
Social media backlash hits hard
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.
Sympathy pours in for CEO’s wife
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.
Allegations of toxic culture at Astronomer
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.
CEO shuts down LinkedIn activity
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.
No word from Astronomer leadership
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.
Chris Martin’s onstage quip goes viral
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.
Online sleuths dig into personal lives
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.
Former employees speak out
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.
Elon Musk, company founder weigh in
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.
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