A light-hearted Kiss Cam moment at a Coldplay concert turned into a PR crisis for tech company Astronomer after CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot were caught on video appearing overly familiar. Their awkward reaction to the camera sparked viral speculation of an office affair. The incident quickly led to scrutiny of both executives’ personal and professional lives, including deleted social media accounts and past public statements.
Following the incident, it was revealed that Byron is married and Cabot was recently divorced but may have remarried. Online users began piecing together personal details from property records and family events, adding fuel to the scandal. Meanwhile, Astronomer issued statements emphasizing leadership accountability, placed Byron on leave, and later confirmed his resignation. Pete DeJoy, the company’s cofounder, has stepped in as interim CEO while a permanent replacement is sought.
Kristin Cabot, a respected HR leader with a history of promoting inclusive work culture, also removed her online presence. While the company has not disclosed any action regarding her role, the situation has prompted broader discussions about workplace relationships and executive conduct. Astronomer reassured stakeholders that it is conducting a formal internal review and upholding its core values.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some questioning the severity of the professional consequences and others supporting the company’s swift response. The incident, which began as a viral video clip, has now become a case study in how quickly personal behavior can affect corporate leadership and brand reputation.