• Kristin Cabot resigned as Astronomer’s HR chief days after CEO Andy Byron stepped down.
• The pair were caught on Coldplay’s kiss cam in an intimate moment that went viral.
• Internet sleuths identified them, exposing their corporate roles and personal lives.

What began as a lighthearted concert interaction spiraled into a controversy that ended a career. During a Coldplay performance, Chris Martin made a remark about a couple avoiding the “kiss cam.” Unbeknownst to him, this would set off corporate upheaval.

Now, Astronomer’s HR chief Kristin Cabot has resigned, following CEO Andy Byron’s exit proving that viral fame isn’t always a good thing.

The Scandal That Forced Two High-Profile Resignations

The widely shared video captured at Coldplay’s concert on July 16 in Massachusetts featured Cabot and Byron sharing a hug, only to react anxiously when they realized they were broadcast on the jumbotron. Martin’s offhand comment turned into a larger issue.

“Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy”

sparked a firestorm.

Internet sleuths quickly identified the pair, linking them to Astronomer, a New York-based data firm. Within days:

• Byron resigned after being placed on leave.

• Cabot stepped down as Chief People Officer, confirmed by the company.

• Astronomer’s website scrubbed their profiles, signaling a clean break.

Interim CEO Pete DeJoy described the attention as “unusual and surreal,” acknowledging that the incident brought Astronomer into the spotlight, but for negative reasons.

The Internet’s Role: Public Shaming or Accountability?

The fallout wasn’t just corporate. Online harassment spread to Byron’s wife and even an innocent colleague wrongly accused of being the “other woman”.

Grace Springer, who filmed the moment, admitted:

“A part of me feels bad for turning these people’s lives upside down, but play stupid games… win stupid prizes.” 2

Critics argue the incident highlights society’s “unhinged glee” in public shaming, with writer Kat Rosenfield calling it “a global spectator sport”.

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Last Updated on July 25, 2025