Coldplay concert scandal erupts as tech CEO faces internal probe

San Francisco Chronicle​

18-07-2025

Astronomer has launched an internal investigation after a viral video surfaced appearing to show CEO Andy Byron embracing the company's Chief Human Resources Officer Kristin Cabot during a Coldplay concert this week.
The clip, captured on the Jumbotron during the band's concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., on Wednesday, July 16, shows Byron and Cabot in an intimate moment before abruptly pulling away when they realized they were on camera.
The video has amassed more than 68 million views on TikTok and sparked widespread speculation about their relationship. It even drew a stunned reaction from Coldplay's frontman Chris Martin.
'Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy,' the singer of the British band quipped to the crowd. 'I hope we didn't do something bad.'
@instaagraace trouble in paradise?? 👀 #coldplay #boston #coldplayconcert #kisscam #fyp ♬ original sound - grace
In response, Astronomer's board issued an official statement on Friday, July 18, following the circulation of several fake statements falsely attributed to Byron that popped up on social media.
'Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding,' said the data software company, which has offices in San Francisco and San Jose. '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 company denied reports that Byron had issued an apology, calling those statements — several of which included Coldplay lyrics — fabricated.
'Andy Byron has not put out any statement, reports saying otherwise are all incorrect,' it said.
Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. 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… pic.twitter.com/rfrAQ5bygy
— Astronomer (@astronomerio) July 18, 2025
Astronomer also clarified that no other employees were featured in the video and that Chief Operating Officer Alyssa Stoddard was not present at the concert, despite online speculation.
Byron has served as CEO of the New York-based data orchestration platform since 2023. He has two children with his wife, educator Megan Kerrigan Byron, who deleted her social media accounts following the incident. He also deleted his LinkedIn account on Thursday, July 17.