6 min read
6 min read

A viral moment at a Coldplay concert has triggered a chain of dramatic personal and professional consequences. Kristin Cabot, former Chief People Officer at tech company Astronomer, was captured on the stadium’s jumbotron in an intimate embrace with her boss, Andy Byron.
The incident occurred on July 16 at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, where both were caught off guard by the camera. When Coldplay frontman Chris Martin noticed their awkward reaction, he quipped to the audience about whether they were “having an affair or just very shy”.

Byron and Cabot appeared comfortable until realizing they were on the massive stadium screen. Both quickly tried to hide from view, with Byron dropping to the ground and Cabot turning away to cover her face.
Martin’s commentary added fuel to the fire as he addressed the crowd about the situation. The recorded moment spread rapidly across social media platforms, accumulating over 120 million views on TikTok alone.

Following the viral video, both executives faced swift professional repercussions from their company. Astronomer placed Byron on administrative leave and announced a formal investigation into the incident.
Byron resigned as CEO on July 19, just three days after the concert scandal broke. Company statements emphasized that “leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability”.

Kristin Cabot stepped down from her role as Chief People Officer on July 24. The company confirmed her departure to major news outlets including CNN and CNBC.
Both executives were removed from Astronomer’s leadership page following their resignations. Pete DeJoy, the company’s co-founder, took over as interim CEO during the transition period.

The scandal exposed that both Byron and Cabot were married to other people. Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan, removed his surname from her social media profiles shortly after the incident.
Cabot was married to Andrew Cabot, CEO of Privateer Rum and heir to Boston’s wealthy Cabot dynasty. Public records showed the couple had purchased a coastal home together earlier in the year.

Andrew Cabot was reportedly on a business trip in Japan when the concert incident occurred. His ex-wife Julia Cabot revealed his dismissive response when contacted about the viral moment.
“He said ‘Her life is nothing to do with me’ and said they were separating,” Julia told the Daily Mail. She described Andrew as primarily concerned with money rather than emotional impact.

Court documents reveal that Kristin filed for divorce from Andrew on August 13 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The filing occurred less than a month after the viral concert incident dominated headlines.
Neither Kristin nor Andrew has publicly commented on their reported split as of early September. A family planning conference is scheduled for November 26 in New Hampshire court.

Andrew’s second ex-wife, Julia Cabot, expressed little surprise at the marriage’s end. She received numerous messages from people describing the situation as “karma” for Andrew.
“I wouldn’t say he’s husband material, but she doesn’t seem like wife material either,” Julia commented. She suggested Andrew was likely embarrassed rather than emotionally affected by the public scandal.

Andrew Cabot belongs to one of Boston’s oldest and wealthiest families, known as Boston Brahmins. The family fortune spans ten generations, originally built through lampblack production for tire manufacturing.
A 1972 New York Times profile estimated their wealth at approximately $200 million. By 2025, reports suggest the family fortune has grown to an estimated $15.4 billion.

The divorcing couple jointly owned a $2.2 million beachfront home in Rye, New Hampshire. Property records show they purchased the residence in February 2025, just months before the scandal.
The divorce proceedings introduce uncertainty regarding this significant asset and other shared properties. Andrew’s personal wealth is estimated between $5 million and $15 million, separate from the broader family fortune.

This divorce marks the third for Andrew Cabot, who was previously married for 18 years to his first wife. He later married Julia Cabot in 2014, divorcing after four years in 2018.
For Kristin, this represents her second divorce following her previous marriage to Kenneth Thornby. That marriage ended in 2022, just before she began her relationship with Andrew.

Reports suggest the marriage was already experiencing difficulties before the viral incident. Kristin was spotted without her wedding ring in July, fueling speculation about marital problems.
Andrew’s dismissive response to the scandal indicated the couple may have been separating regardless. His claim that Kristin’s life was “nothing to do with him” suggested existing distance.

During a later concert in England, Chris Martin clarified misconceptions about the incident. He emphasized that Coldplay’s tradition wasn’t actually a “kiss cam” but simply spotlighting couples to greet them.
“Most of the time, we’re simply trying to say hello to some folks,” Martin explained. He sent “pure love” to the individuals involved and wished them well.

The incident spawned countless internet memes and became known as “Coldplaygate” across social platforms. The awkward moment resonated with audiences worldwide, generating millions of views and shares.
Social media users created numerous jokes and commentary about workplace relationships and public embarrassment. The incident highlighted the power of viral moments in today’s connected world.

Industry observers suggest the scandal will have lasting professional consequences, particularly for Cabot. Many believe her HR career faces significant challenges due to the public nature of the incident.
Byron, as a CEO, may find it easier to recover professionally despite the controversy. The tech industry’s focus on results over personal conduct could benefit his future prospects.
See how Coldplay and Morgan Wallen took a playful jab at the Kiss Cam drama.

The scandal serves as a reminder of how quickly private moments become public in the digital age. Stadium cameras, social media, and viral content can transform seconds into life-altering consequences.
The incident demonstrates that public figures and executives face heightened scrutiny of their personal lives. What happens at a concert can have far-reaching implications for careers, marriages, and reputations in our interconnected world.
Discover how Kristin Cabot’s affair with the CEO led to his resignation after a viral Coldplay clip.
What do you think about Kristin Cabot’s divorce? Like and comment with your thoughts!
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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
Lover of hiking, biking, horror movies, cats and camping. Writer at Wide Open Country, Holler and Nashville Gab.
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