Coldplay Releases Official Statement Addressing Viral Kiss Cam Incident Involving Married Tech Astronomer CEO Andy Bryon and HR Kristin Cabot at Boston Concert

Coldplay Issues Official Statement Following Viral Kiss Cam Incident Involving Astronomer CEO at Boston Concert

Boston, MA – July 18, 2025 – Coldplay has released an official statement addressing the viral controversy that erupted during their July 16 concert at Gillette Stadium in Boston, where a kiss cam moment inadvertently spotlighted Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot, sparking widespread speculation about an extramarital affair. The incident, which has dominated social media and news headlines, prompted the band to clarify their role in the unintended spectacle and call for respect for those involved.

During Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour performance, frontman Chris Martin engaged the crowd with the band’s signature kiss cam segment, a lighthearted tradition meant to capture couples sharing affectionate moments on the jumbotron. However, when the camera panned to Byron and Cabot, who appeared cozy with Byron’s arms around Cabot, the mood shifted. The pair’s startled reaction—Byron ducking behind a barrier and Cabot covering her face—drew laughter from the 60,000-strong crowd. Martin’s playful comment, “Oh look at these two… either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy,” amplified the moment, which quickly went viral across platforms like TikTok, X, and Instagram, racking up millions of views.

The footage ignited a firestorm of online speculation, with many accusing Byron, who is married to Megan Kerrigan Byron and has two children, of engaging in an affair with Cabot, who is also reportedly married. Social media reactions ranged from humorous jabs to expressions of sympathy for Byron’s wife, with some users noting that Megan appeared to remove “Byron” from her social media profiles before deactivating her accounts. A fabricated apology attributed to Byron, referencing Coldplay’s song “Fix You,” circulated online but was debunked by Astronomer’s media team as fake, with the company confirming that neither Byron, Cabot, nor Astronomer had issued official statements as of July 17.

In response to the growing controversy, Coldplay issued a statement on July 18 via their official website and social media channels, aiming to address the unintended consequences of the kiss cam moment. The statement read:

“During our recent show at Gillette Stadium, a moment captured on our kiss cam segment has led to significant public attention and speculation. We deeply regret any distress caused to those featured or their families. Our intention with the kiss cam is to spread joy and celebrate connection among our fans, not to create discomfort or invade privacy. We respect the personal lives of our audience and ask that everyone approach this situation with empathy and understanding. Thank you for your continued support as we focus on bringing music and positivity to our fans worldwide.”

The band’s statement reflects their attempt to distance themselves from the scandal while acknowledging the impact of the viral moment. Industry observers noted that Coldplay’s quick response was likely motivated by a desire to maintain their reputation for fostering positive fan experiences, especially given the band’s history of interactive concert segments. However, the statement has sparked mixed reactions online. Some fans praised the band for addressing the issue, with one X user commenting, “Classy move by Coldplay to own up and call for kindness. Not their fault it blew up.” Others criticized the use of kiss cams, arguing they risk exposing private moments without consent.

Astronomer, the New York-based tech company valued at over $1.3 billion, has faced mounting pressure to address the incident, particularly given the professional roles of Byron and Cabot. Byron, who has served as CEO since July 2023, and Cabot, who joined as Chief People Officer in November 2024, are central figures in shaping the company’s culture. The viral clip has raised questions about workplace ethics and potential conflicts of interest, with some social media users labeling Astronomer’s work environment as “toxic.” One X post pointed out the irony of Cabot’s LinkedIn claim that she “wins trust with employees of all levels,” given the public fallout.

The incident has also drawn attention to broader issues of privacy in the age of social media. The rapid spread of the video, coupled with online sleuthing that identified Byron and Cabot, underscores how quickly private moments can become public spectacles. Some commentators have called for greater sensitivity from event organizers, with one tech analyst posting on X, “Kiss cams are fun until they’re not. Bands and venues need to rethink these stunts in the smartphone era.”

As of July 18, neither Byron, Cabot, nor Astronomer has released an official statement addressing the allegations or the incident itself, and Byron’s LinkedIn profile appears to have been deactivated. The company’s silence has fueled further speculation, with some industry watchers suggesting that a prompt response could mitigate reputational damage. Meanwhile, betting markets on platforms like Polymarket have emerged, with over $35,000 wagered on Byron’s likelihood of remaining CEO and $30,000 on his marital status, highlighting the incident’s cultural impact.

Coldplay’s Boston concert, intended as a celebration of music, has instead become a flashpoint for discussions about privacy, workplace dynamics, and the unintended consequences of viral moments. As the band continues its tour, their statement serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between engaging fans and respecting personal boundaries. For Astronomer, the path forward remains uncertain, with the tech world and the public awaiting any official response from the company or its executives. One thing is clear: this kiss cam moment will linger in the public consciousness far beyond the final chords of Coldplay’s setlist.