UPDATE: Astronomer, a tech company valued at $775 million, is under scrutiny after a viral video captured its CEO, Andy Byron, appearing to embrace the head of HR, Kristin Cabot, during a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium this week. The Board of Directors has officially launched an investigation into the incident, which has captivated social media and sparked widespread speculation.
The controversial moment, broadcast on a jumbotron, quickly went viral, prompting Coldplay frontman Chris Martin to humorously question whether the two were “having an affair or they’re just very shy.” The clip of Byron and Cabot, which has amassed tens of millions of views, has turned Byron into the top trending search term on Google just a day after the concert.
In a statement released on X, Astronomer confirmed the investigation and stated, “The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.” The company clarified that “no other employees were in the video,” and reports suggesting Byron issued a personal statement are incorrect.
The fallout from the video has been significant. On social media platforms like X and TikTok, users have been joking about the awkward situation, while the company has temporarily disabled comments on its LinkedIn and X accounts due to overwhelming engagement. Reports indicate that over $250,000 has been wagered on Polymarket regarding Byron’s future as CEO.
For over 24 hours, Astronomer remained silent amid the controversy, drawing criticism for its lack of communication. Former CEO Ry Walker, who co-founded the company in 2015, commented on the situation, stating, “Yes, I was co-founder and early CEO – not on the team or board since 2022, and have no information on ColdplayGate.”
As the investigation unfolds, observers are keen to see how the situation will impact Byron’s leadership and the company’s reputation. Founded in 2015, Astronomer provides data management and optimization solutions for major clients, including Activision and Marriott. Byron has served as CEO since July 2023, taking the helm after a successful career in various tech roles. Cabot joined as head of people in November 2024.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Astronomer navigates the repercussions of this viral incident.
