Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s HR executive, remains on administrative leave after she and then-CEO Andy Byron were seen in a public embrace on the jumbotron at a Coldplay concert. Their awkward reaction went viral, with Chris Martin joking, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy.”
Social media users pointed out that both are married, sparking widespread speculation. Dubbed “Coldplaygate,” the scandal triggered internal investigations. Byron later resigned, and co-founder Pete DeJoy stepped in as interim CEO.
Though Cabot is still listed as HR chief, legal experts suggest her departure is complicated. Attorney Nicole Brenecki explained that companies “can’t fire someone solely based on bad press.” William Cafaro added, “If you looked up ’cause for firing’ in the dictionary, you might see a photo of the head of HR in a public affair with the CEO.”
DeJoy called the situation “surreal” but assured that Astronomer is still focused on delivering data and AI solutions. For now, the public waits to see if Cabot’s name will quietly disappear from the company’s leadership page.
