‘Coldplaygate' is a stark reminder that cameras are everywhere
During the concert Wednesday night, Chris Martin, the band's frontman, announced that he would be singing to a select few fans in the crowd. 'The way we're going to do that is using our cameras,' he said. 'So, if you look at the screens, we're going to come looking and see who's out there to say hello to.'
After Martin sang a happy birthday song to one ecstatic fan while playing mellow guitar, a giant screen in the stadium showed a couple embracing. The man, who the internet quickly identified as Andy Byron, the married CEO of a tech company called Astronomer, held his arms around Kristin Cabot, the company's chief people officer who is not his wife.
'Oh, look at these two,' Martin said, prepared to sing another sweet song. Then things became awkward.
When Cabot noticed her face on the screen, she immediately jumped out of Byron's arms, covered her face and turned around. He ducked out of view. A woman standing beside them was seen cupping her face in disbelief, her mouth wide open.
Martin, realizing what was happening, said: 'Wow, what? Either they're having an affair, or they're just very shy. I'm not quite sure what to do.'
The identities of Byron and Cabot were confirmed by a spokesperson for Astronomer on Friday night after the company issued a statement saying Byron had been placed on leave and that the company's chief product officer, Peter DeJoy, would serve as interim CEO.
Saturday afternoon, Astronomer issued another statement saying that Byron had resigned and that the board of directors would begin a search for his replacement.
Astronomer, a data infrastructure company that works with companies to manage and automate data, had previously said it was launching an investigation of the incident and that 'our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability.'
The incident, which has dominated social media, was a stark reminder of how quickly things can spread thanks to social media and how cameras are surrounding people at all times. That is especially true at large concerts where fans are often recording snippets or streaming them on social media. Case in point: The video of Wednesday's interaction was posted by a concertgoer with a modest TikTok following. But thanks to the power of that app's algorithm, it had more than 77 million views as of Friday evening.
It took only a few seconds of video for Byron and Cabot to thoroughly dominate internet discourse and become an instant meme, which many have called 'Coldplaygate.'
As the video circulated, some shared their advice for the couple, suggesting they could have covered themselves in a blanket or thrown on a pair of shades. Others pointed out how awkward things would be at their office the next day.
The moment proceeded to be shared, and joked about, by politicians, corporations and even New York City's sanitation department.
From there, it turned into a broader discussion of privacy and why they had been wrong to assume they would not be seen and, potentially, recorded.
'If you're in a public place, there is absolutely no expectation of privacy,' said Charles Lindsey, an associate professor of marketing at University at Buffalo School of Management. 'When you're in a public place, whether it be a public park, a store, a concert, there are cameras, and if it's on camera, you can't take it back.'
That lesson had been learned by plenty of people before this incident.
There was the time in May when the door of a plane carrying French President Emmanuel Macron had just been opened by staff in Hanoi, Vietnam, when his wife, Brigitte Macron, pushed him in the face. When he looked up and noticed a camera filming the scene from outside, he waved. The video quickly gained traction online, leading to a flurry of interpretations.
In 2024, there was a great deal of debate over a woman posting videos on TikTok in which she assumed she was witnessing an extramarital affair taking place on a plane.
And there was the infamous Met Gala elevator incident in 2014, where Solange Knowles was seen attacking Jay-Z while her sister, Beyoncé, stood watching and a bodyguard tried to restore order. The security-cam footage leaked to TMZ, and it became fodder for the public.
'We live in a very intrusive world, in terms of cameras and digital footprints,' Lindsey said. 'It can take 10 or 20 years to build a reputation, and you can lose it in a moment.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
Astronomer's Kristin Cabot from Coldplay 'kiss cam' moment is married into an elite ‘Boston Brahmin' family — who are the Boston Brahmins, and how wealthy is her family?
Kristin Cabot, the head of human resources at the tech company Astronomer, was thrust into the spotlight after a viral 'kiss cam' moment during a Coldplay concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Captured in an intimate pose with CEO Andy Byron, both of whom are married to other people, Cabot's sudden internet fame triggered not just workplace gossip but deeper interest in her background. What surprised many was her deep-rooted connection to American aristocracy. Kristin is married into the Cabot family, a name synonymous with Boston's elite 'Boston Brahmins,' a term that signals old-money wealth, colonial lineage, and a legacy of social dominance. Kristin Cabot: Married into elite 'Boston Brahmin' family Kristin Cabot is married to Andrew Cabot, the sixth-generation owner of Privateer Rum, a Massachusetts-based distillery with deep roots in the state's mercantile history. The Cabot family fortune dates back to the early 1800s, beginning with the soot or 'carbon black' industry, before expanding into maritime trade, real estate, and later philanthropy. A 1972 New York Times article valued their fortune at $200 million, which would be equivalent to roughly $15.4 billion today. Their influence spans financial and social spheres alike, making them one of the wealthiest and most prestigious old-money dynasties in America. According to The New York Post, Kristin and Andrew recently bought a $2.2 million waterfront home in New Hampshire. Both are believed to have had previous marriages, with Kristin finalizing her divorce in 2022. Until the scandal, she largely maintained a discreet public profile, aligning with the quiet decorum typically expected from Boston Brahmin families. The Cabots: A Brahmin dynasty worth billions Kristin Cabot married into the Cabot family, one of the foremost Boston Brahmin clans. Originating ten generations ago, their wealth began with the soot business and later diversified into the rum trade, real estate, and philanthropic ventures. Their social capital has grown alongside their financial assets, and their prominence is reinforced through strategic marriages within the Brahmin class and enduring support of institutions like Harvard University, MIT, and the Perkins School for the Blind. A well-known local verse underscores their social exclusivity: And this is good old Boston The home of the bean and the cod Where the Lowells talk only to Cabots And the Cabots talk only to God Their aristocratic image remains a cultural symbol of Boston's historical upper crust, blending privilege with public service and discretion. What it means to be a 'Boston Brahmin' The term 'Boston Brahmin' was coined by author Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. in the 19th century to describe Boston's ruling class, white, Anglo-Saxon Protestant families who held sway over the city's political, financial, and educational institutions. The Cabots, alongside families like the Lowells and the Saltonstalls, epitomized this class. They were known for their understated wealth, Puritan values, and devotion to civic duty. This social stratum valued propriety, privacy, and restraint, which is why Kristin Cabot's entanglement in a viral scandal strikes many as especially ironic and newsworthy. The Coldplay kiss cam moment that sparked the scandal The now-viral moment occurred when the Coldplay concert's stadium kiss cam landed on Kristin Cabot and Andy Byron. The pair awkwardly ducked and looked away, despite clearly appearing close. Chris Martin, the band's frontman, added fuel to the fire with a cheeky remark: 'Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy.' The crowd laughed, but online viewers quickly began speculating and digging. Within days, both individuals were identified, and social media erupted with criticism, not only because of the apparent intimacy between two married executives but also due to the revelation of Cabot's elite lineage. As one social media user posted, 'When the Cabots talk only to God, they probably don't expect TMZ to be listening.'
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
How the Coldplay CEO-HR affair shows even 'open' cultures have boundaries
A viral moment at a Coldplay concert has raised big questions about workplace boundaries after Astronomer's CEO stepped down and its HR head was placed on leave Vasudha Mukherjee New Delhi When Andy Byron, then CEO of data operations startup Astronomer, appeared on a Coldplay concert 'kiss cam' with his chief people officer Kristin Cabot — and quickly tried to hide — few could have predicted the fallout. Within hours, the moment had gone viral and put the once-obscure company in an unwelcome spotlight. Days later, Byron had resigned and Cabot was placed on leave. TechCrunch counted over 22,000 news stories around the world featuring the clip. The incident, in which Coldplay's Chris Martin joked that the two were either 'having an affair or just very shy,' triggered a flurry of commentary not just on social media surveillance, but also on workplace ethics, power dynamics, and the shifting expectations placed on corporate leadership — even in a relatively liberal and informal work culture like that of the United States. Why even open workplaces still have red lines At first glance, the US workplace may seem tolerant of personal freedom. Office romances are not banned outright, and the prevailing view in some sectors, especially in startups and tech, is that what consenting adults do outside of work is their business. However, when the individuals involved are the CEO and the head of Human Resources, perceptions around professionalism shift — and the stakes rise. Without referring to the specific incident, Prabir Jha, founder of Prabir Jha People Advisory, commented to Business Standard on the broader implications: 'A relationship between a higher-level manager and a junior must be a strict no-no, particularly if there is a reporting relationship. The relationship can be abused by either side and must be off-limits.' While the nature of the relationship between Byron and Cabot has not been confirmed by Astronomer, the optics — given their respective roles in the company — quickly led to an internal review. Byron was initially placed on leave, and Cabot remains under similar status. The company has said its leadership 'did not meet' expected standards and that Byron has since stepped down. What India can learn from the Astronomer fallout While Indian companies have traditionally taken a more conservative approach to workplace relationships, the consequences of such incidents in liberal markets like the United States are proving to be just as significant — especially when leadership is involved. 'In informal cultures,' Jha said, 'a serious workplace relationship that can potentially disturb work discipline, performance assessment, or create disruptions is usually taken seriously. And if the relationship turns sour, it can lead to POSH implications.' He added that while peer-level relationships may be tolerated in some Indian organisations, senior–junior dynamics are typically viewed unfavourably, due to their potential to impact objectivity in team management and organisational culture. Reputation, not romance, is the real risk Astronomer, which had recently raised $93 million in a Series D funding round, is a growing player in the DataOps segment, offering solutions for modern analytics and AI production pipelines. The online speculation and media coverage, however, have now overshadowed the company's reputation. 'A one-off instance does not impair a company's larger reputation,' said Jha. 'But if such issues are reported at the higher levels and the firm stays indifferent, it raises a red flag.' Astronomer's swift response may help mitigate some reputational damage. In its public statement, the company reiterated that its product and customer service remained unaffected by the leadership change. Co-founder Pete DeJoy has taken over as interim CEO while the board initiates a search for a permanent replacement. Why ethics frameworks matter — and where they fail Cases involving senior executives typically fall under the remit of the board or its nominations and remuneration committee. However, implementation can vary across organisations, even where codes of ethics and oversight mechanisms exist. 'Despite even boards wanting visibility on these, not many firms, including some real big ones, necessarily act as well as their boards and documents show,' Jha said. 'And that is the real issue.' He added that the presence of a well-documented compliance framework is not always a guarantee of timely or effective action. The determining factor remains how honestly and consistently such frameworks are enforced. Why HR–CEO entanglements raise the highest red flags When asked directly about the Astronomer incident, Jha — who has held the position of Global CHRO at several major firms including Cipla, Reliance Industries, Tata Motors, and Dr Reddy's — pointed out that the specific reporting relationship and leadership context made the situation particularly problematic. 'A romantic relationship between an individual and her manager is volatile at any level. Such a relationship between the highest-ranking leaders is a conflict of interest and poor role modelling,' he said. 'Both are supposed to be roles expected to discharge sensitive responsibilities. Clearly this was in conflict.' According to Jha, had the individuals worked at different organisations, the situation may not have warranted corporate attention. But two senior leaders in the same firm — especially in HR and executive management — are subject to stricter standards due to the inherent responsibilities of their positions. The incident at Gillette Stadium may have played out in seconds, but the aftershocks for Astronomer and its leadership serve as a reminder of the importance of organisational ethics, regardless of seniority or perceived informality.
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
"Going To Use Cameras": Chris Martin's Heads Up After Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal
Coldplay's 'Jumbotron Song' segment now comes with a warning. When the British band frontman Chris Martin greeted a sold-out crowd at Madison's Camp Randall Stadium this weekend, he strummed a familiar tune, smiled and said: "We'd like to say hello to some of you in the crowd," he said. It wasn't like the segment hadn't featured loving couples before, but the one they panned their camera to last week during their Boston show definitely turned into a moment of moments. They had Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR head, Kristin Cabot, sharing a candid moment, only for them to look for cover. "How we're going to do that is we're going to use our cameras and put some of you on the big screen... So, please, if you haven't done your makeup, do your makeup now," he said, perhaps hinting that the camera may go anywhere and feature anyone. HE'S SO UNSERIOUS — monica ???? (@weeklycoldplay) July 20, 2025 The video went viral, with many reacting with references to the July 16 "Scandal" involving Byron and Cabot. A user wrote, "He meant to say 'if you haven't let go of your side chick, do it now!' " Another commented, "Great way to say a lot without saying it." "What's funny is he gave this exact speech during the concert it happened at too, this isn't something he started doing because of it, but what that also means is that the CEO had PLENTY of time to get ready to not act like he was having an affair before he Streisanded himself," someone said. Someone wrote, "I loved this part of the concert! Chris and the guys are genius innovators!" Coldplay's ' Jumbotron Song ', where Chris Martin interacts with fans by putting them on the stadium's big screen mid-show, is a cherished part of their Music of the Spheres World Tour. The singer sings for the people on screen, improvising lyrics on the spot. At their July 16 show in Foxborough, Massachusetts, when the camera landed on Byron and Cabot, they were caught off guard and attempted to shield their faces. Chris Martin didn't miss a beat. "Whoa, look at these two," he said, mid-song. "Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy." Following the incident, Byron's wife, Megan, dropped "Byron" from her name on social media before deleting her Facebook account. Cabot is also married into one of New England's oldest elite families. She is the wife of Andrew Cabot, a descendant of the storied Boston Brahmins and the Privateer Rum dynasty. By July 18, Astronomer confirmed both Andy Byron and Ms Cabot had been placed on administrative leave. One day later, Byron resigned as CEO. Co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy was named interim CEO. Coldplay has not released an official statement about the viral incident. The band's Instagram recap of their Madison show made no mention of it. Concert venues typically warn attendees they may be recorded, especially if the footage is used for music videos or promotional material. Gillette Stadium, where the incident took place, has a privacy policy saying that guests' images, voices, or likenesses may be captured by CCTV or during event filming in public areas.
