The tech world remains shaken after Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Human Resources head Kristin Cabot were caught on camera in a compromising embrace at a Coldplay concert this week a moment that has since ballooned into a full-blown corporate scandal, spurred public speculation of workplace misconduct, and now, prompted an official company investigation.
Amid the viral fallout, Astronomer has issued its first formal statement, and it’s drawing a clear line: senior employee Alyssa Stoddard was not at the concert, despite what the internet insists.
“Alyssa Stoddard was not at the event and no other employees were in the video,” the statement reads. “The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.”
Coldplay Kiss Cam Goes Corporate
The chaos began at Coldplay’s July 17 concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts, when the band’s now-notorious “kiss cam” landed on two very unexpected guests: Andy Byron, CEO of Astronomer, and Kristin Cabot, the company’s head of HR.
The pair were seen embracing in a manner many viewers described as intimate. But when the camera zoomed in on them, they appeared startled and quickly turned away, visibly uncomfortable as they tried to duck out of frame. Their awkward reaction prompted a quip from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who told the crowd:
“Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”
The comment, innocent enough in the moment, would soon become a global flashpoint.
Update: This story is developing. Astronomer has not yet announced whether Byron or Cabot will be returning to their roles following the investigation.
