Kristin Cabot, chief people officer of American tech company Astronomer, resigned on 25 Jul 2025 following a viral incident at a Coldplay concert.
Her departure came days after CEO Andy Byron tendered his resignation on 19 Jul 2025.
Astronomer Leadership Exits After Viral Coldplay Concert Footage
The scandal, dubbed “Coldplaygate”, began when footage from a 16 Jul 2025 Coldplay concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts went viral on social media. The concert’s jumbotron captured Byron and Cabot in an embrace during the kiss cam segment.
Both executives appeared shocked when they spotted themselves on the big screen. Byron ducked out of the frame while Cabot hid her face as the camera lingered on them.
“Uh-oh, what? Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy,” Coldplay frontman Chris Martin said after witnessing their reaction.
Company Investigation and Executive Departures Follow Kiss Cam Incident
Astronomer’s board of directors placed both executives on leave pending a company investigation. Byron, who had been serving as CEO, resigned first on 19 Jul 2025. Cabot followed with her resignation days later.
The company released a statement on social media on 18 Jul 2025 without directly referencing the concert or naming the individuals involved.
“Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability,” Astronomer said. “The board of directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.”
Internet users quickly identified the couple after the video spread across TikTok and other social media platforms. The footage garnered millions of views and spawned numerous memes about workplace relationships and the irony of an HR representative being caught in such a situation.
The incident prompted Martin to address the kiss cam at subsequent concerts. “We’re going to use our cameras, and put some of you on the big screen,” he told audiences, referencing the viral moment.
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