Astronomer CEO and HR Chief Placed on Leave After Viral Coldplay ‘Kiss Cam’ Video Sparks Internal Probe

Data orchestration company Astronomer has placed its CEO Andy Byron and its Chief Human Resources Officer Kristin Cabot on administrative leave after a viral “kiss cam” video from a Coldplay concert showed the two embracing, triggering public speculation about an extramarital affair and prompting internal concerns about professional conduct.

The now-viral clip, recorded during a “kiss cam” moment at the concert, shows Byron holding Cabot from behind as they realize they are being broadcast on the venue’s big screen. The pair are seen awkwardly attempting to shield their faces from view. Within hours, the video had circulated widely across social media platforms, sparking controversy and a wave of backlash aimed at their apparent breach of workplace ethics.

Internal Investigation Launched

Two days after the incident, Astronomer’s Board of Directors issued a formal statement confirming that both executives had been placed on leave pending the outcome of a full internal investigation. The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining professional integrity and a workplace culture grounded in accountability.

“Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability,” the company stated.

The statement also sought to address online speculation and misinformation, clarifying that the woman seen in the video was not Vice President of Human Resources Alyssa Stoddard, as some online users had wrongly assumed. Instead, it confirmed the woman to be Kristin Cabot, another senior HR leader within the organization.

Leadership Changes

While the investigation is ongoing, co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy will serve as interim CEO, according to the board. No interim appointment has been announced yet for the HR department.

The incident has reignited debates around workplace relationships, particularly between high-ranking executives, and the potential risks they pose to corporate governance, internal morale, and company reputation. With both Byron and Cabot occupying critical leadership roles, observers note that the optics of the incident could damage Astronomer’s standing with employees and investors.

Public and Industry Reaction

The scandal has triggered wider industry conversations about ethical boundaries in executive relationships and the challenges of maintaining trust and transparency in leadership. While neither Byron nor Cabot has publicly commented on the matter, the company has assured stakeholders that further details will be released as the investigation progresses.

As of now, Astronomer continues normal business operations under interim leadership. The board is expected to provide an update on the situation in the coming days.