What began as a fun night at a Coldplay concert in Boston quickly spiraled into one of the year’s most viral corporate scandals. During the show, the jumbotron captured Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR chief Kristin Cabot in what looked like an intimate embrace. The two quickly separated when they realized they were on the big screen — but not before the moment was seen by thousands of fans and, soon after, millions online.
The incident spread rapidly across TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram, fueling speculation about their relationship. Even Chris Martin added to the buzz, joking on stage, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just really shy,” a remark that left the crowd buzzing. The story became even more complicated when it emerged that Kristin was still publicly married to Andrew Cabot at the time.
Shortly after the concert, news broke that she had filed for divorce, raising questions about whether the viral clip had revealed deeper truths. Weeks of silence followed — until Andrew Cabot issued an official statement through his spokeswoman. He clarified that he and Kristin had been “privately and amicably separated several weeks before the Coldplay concert,” and that the divorce process was already underway.
He asked for privacy, stressing that “no further public comment will be made.” The fallout, however, extended into the corporate world. Andy Byron resigned as CEO, and Kristin stepped down from her role as Chief People Officer. Interim CEO Pete DeJoy addressed staff directly, acknowledging the company’s reputation had been tested. For Astronomer, the saga was an unexpected spotlight. For the individuals at the center, it marked an emotional turning point — one of endings, resilience, and public reckoning.
