Astronomer CEO Andy Byron has come under scrutiny following a kiss cam video that went viral, which was taken during a Coldplay concert in Boston on July 16, 2025. The footage showed Byron embracing Kristin Cabot, the company’s Chief People Officer, leading to speculation about an affair, especially since Byron is married to Megan Kerrigan Byron.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin remarked on stage, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy.” This comment sparked a clip that garnered over 30 million views across platforms like TikTok and X, resulting in a wave of memes, expressions of sympathy for Byron’s wife, and scrutiny of the company’s culture. Although Byron reportedly issued an apology, his company confirmed that the apology was fake.
Coldplay Fan Who Filmed Viral Alleged Affair Moment Defends Posting Video https://t.co/VVw1hAZkGX
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 18, 2025The fan who recorded the video, Grace Springer, defended her post by saying, “Play stupid games… win stupid prizes.”
During Coldplay’s Boston show, the kiss cam captured Byron and Cabot in an embrace. They ducked out of view, drawing Martin’s on-stage quip. Springer, a New Jersey resident, shared the footage, which quickly went viral online. She told The Sun: “A part of me feels bad for turning these people’s lives upside down, but play stupid games… win stupid prizes.” She expressed hope for Byron’s wife’s healing.
Social media users identified Byron and Cabot quickly, leading to mistaken identity cases for others with similar names. Cabot is reportedly single, but Byron’s marriage fueled rumours of an affair.
Read: Andy Byron Apology: Astronomer CEO Addresses Coldplay Kiss Cam Incident Amid Backlash
An alleged apology from Byron circulated: “I deeply regret the events that unfolded at the concert and the pain this has caused my family, my colleagues, and the Astronomer community.” He called it a “personal mistake” and criticised the non-consensual broadcast. An astronomer confirmed to TMZ that the statement is fake. The company did not respond to inquiries about an official statement.
Reactions range from sympathy for Byron’s wife to mockery. Users resurfaced a 2018 The Information report alleging that Byron created a toxic environment at Cybereason, intimidating employees. With Cabot as HR chief, critics question internal dynamics. Ex-staff reportedly laughed at the incident.
