Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal: Why Has Astronomer's HR Chief Kristin Cabot Not Been Fired Yet?

News18

6 days ago

While Andy Byron's swift departure as CEO gave the appearance of accountability, many are now asking why Cabot still retains her title and appears on the company's leadership page
On July 16, what began as a seemingly innocent moment at a Coldplay concert spiralled into a full-blown corporate controversy as Kristin Cabot, the Chief People Officer of software start-up Astronomer, and then-CEO Andy Byron were exposed on the Kiss Cam at Gillette Stadium—sparking a wave of speculation and condemnation across social media and the business world.
Chris Martin, Coldplay's frontman, added fuel to fire, teasing: 'Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy," as the camera captured their awkward reaction which has since gone viral and become a pop culture reference.
CEO Resigns, HR Chief Put on Leave
Within days, Byron resigned from his post, and Astronomer's board of directors named COO Pete DeJoy as interim CEO. Both Byron and Cabot were placed on administrative leave as the company launched an internal investigation into the nature of their relationship and whether any company policies were breached.
While Byron's swift departure gave the appearance of accountability, many are now asking why Cabot still retains her title and appears on the company's leadership page.
'Firing someone in a leadership role without clear documentation or cause—especially in the midst of a media storm—could lead to significant legal exposure," said employment attorney William Cafaro in an interview with the New York Post.
The Times of India also reported that Astronomer may be seeking to avoid any legal missteps, especially if Cabot's behaviour—however inappropriate it may seem—did not technically violate corporate policy.
Conflict of Interest and Public Backlash
Critics argue that Cabot's position makes the situation particularly troubling. As the head of HR, she is responsible for setting and enforcing workplace conduct standards. Her involvement in a romantic relationship with the CEO—if confirmed—raises serious conflict-of-interest concerns.
'You can't have the person responsible for HR policy entangled romantically with the CEO," said an employment analyst quoted by the Hindustan Times. 'It undermines trust, fairness, and accountability in the workplace."
The backlash has been swift. Reddit threads and Twitter timelines have been flooded with calls for Cabot's resignation, and Astronomer employees are reportedly concerned about leadership credibility and company culture.
'US Royalty' Under Scrutiny
Adding another layer of intrigue, Cabot is married into the elite 'Boston Brahmin" family, which is known for its generational wealth tied to the Privateer Rum empire. Some critics claim this privileged background may be influencing the leniency shown to her, though Astronomer has not addressed that speculation directly.
Strategic Exit Likely in the Works
Insiders believe Astronomer may be quietly negotiating Cabot's exit, balancing reputational risk with contractual obligations. Legal analysts say a carefully structured severance or resignation may be the most prudent option—offering closure without drawing further negative attention or triggering litigation.
According to Mint, any abrupt firing could lead to accusations of retaliation or breach of contract. Instead, the company appears to be proceeding cautiously, possibly awaiting the conclusion of its internal investigation before taking further steps.
Astronomer, a rising player in cloud-based data orchestration with a valuation of over $1.3 billion, now faces the dual challenge of managing internal morale and public reputation. With a high-profile scandal at its doorstep, the company's handling of this matter will likely set a precedent for how tech start-ups enforce accountability at the top.
For now, Cabot remains on leave, her future uncertain. The board's investigation is expected to conclude in the coming weeks. Whether she steps down, negotiates a quiet exit, or faces termination remains to be seen.
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