Astronomer clarifies Alyssa Stoddard was not at Coldplay event amid viral video speculation. Here's what happened

Economic Times

2 days ago

Astronomer clarifies Alyssa Stoddard was not present in the viral Coldplay concert video with CEO Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot. (Pic Courtesy: X)
Astronomer has released a statement confirming that Alyssa Stoddard, a senior executive at the company, was not present at the Coldplay concert event that has gone viral online, a media report said. This clarification addresses widespread speculation that she appeared in a video alongside CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot.Astronomer stated that Alyssa Stoddard, the Senior Director of People, was not at the Coldplay concert where the viral video was recorded. The company also confirmed that no other Astronomer employees were in the video besides Byron and Cabot, a Men's Journal report said.
This follows days of speculation on social media suggesting that the embarrassed woman seen in the footage was Alyssa Stoddard. Many users had commented on the resemblance and assumed she had reacted to the interaction between the CEO and the Chief People Officer.In a formal statement, the company said, 'Alyssa Stoddard was not at the event and no other employees were in the video.'
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The video, captured at a Coldplay concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts, showed Andy Byron holding Kristin Cabot from behind during a kiss cam moment. The two visibly reacted to being shown on screen and attempted to hide their faces.The clip quickly spread on social media, leading to questions about their relationship and professional conduct. The company responded two days later with a formal statement and confirmed an internal investigation had been launched by the board.Both executives were placed on leave following the video's release. The company did not clarify if the leave was paid or unpaid, the report said.
Also Read: Astronomer CEO Andy Byron's wife Megan Kerrigan Facebook account once had happy pictures but now it's gone. Here's a look at it Social media posts wrongly identified the woman in the video as Alyssa Stoddard. This led to widespread online commentary.Some posts speculated on her role and possible knowledge of the relationship between Byron and Cabot. Other comments described her as reacting in disbelief.These assumptions were fueled by a LinkedIn post that recently showed Kristin Cabot had promoted Stoddard to Vice President of People. This added to speculation about her proximity to the company's leadership.However, Astronomer clarified that Stoddard had no presence at the event, countering these claims.
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Kristin Cabot and Alyssa Stoddard have worked together at multiple companies. Their professional relationship dates back to ObserveIT in 2019 and continued through roles at Proofpoint and Neo4j.Despite their history, there is no official information suggesting Stoddard was aware of any alleged personal relationship between Byron and Cabot.Online speculation has not been supported by evidence or confirmed statements from those involved.
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Astronomer's board is now overseeing a formal investigation. The company has not shared a timeline or further details. Byron and Cabot have made no public comments.The company also addressed false claims about a public apology from Byron, stating that no such statement has been made. Astronomer said it will update the public once the investigation progresses.
Was Alyssa Stoddard in the viral Coldplay concert video?
No. Astronomer confirmed that Alyssa Stoddard was not present at the event and is not the woman in the video.
Are Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot still working at Astronomer?
No. Both have been placed on leave by Astronomer pending the outcome of an internal investigation.