Astronomer has launched a ‘formal investigation’ after its CEO and Human Relations Chief were caught on video at a Coldplay concert.
The official statement comes hours after the ‘kiss cam’ moment at a Coldplay concert thrust Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR Chief Kristin Cabot into viral chaos.
“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 statement read.
“The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter, and we will have additional details to share very shortly,” it added.
The company also clarified that one of their employees, Alyssa Stoddard, who was speculated to be at the concert with the pair, was not present at the said event. Moreover, no other employees were in the video.
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.
— Astronomer (@astronomerio) July 18, 2025
The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional… pic.twitter.com/rfrAQ5bygy
What is #ColdplayGate?
A day before the statement was issued, #ColdplayGate trended online, with various memes and statements made about the incident, workplace ethics, and relationships. A simple and harmless concert gimmick captured what appeared to be an intimate moment between two individuals.
During the concert, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin—unaware of the pair's relations—noticed that the camera had panned to Byron and Cabot. The frontman saw that the pair had immediately ducked out of view and covered their faces after noticing that they were on the jumbotron.
Martin jokingly said, “Oh look at these two. You’re okay…Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”
Hours after the video was uploaded, the video trended online under the hashtag, with various jokes, commentaries, and cheating allegations flooding social media platforms.
Astronomer did not immediately release a statement, which gave way for troll accounts to spread an AI-generated statement that Byron had allegedly released.
This was, however, debunked by online users, stating that the account was created by the user Peter Enis or P. Enis, who claimed to be a reporter from a known news outlet. The said account was immediately suspended on X after the statement circulated online.
The tech company, Astronomer, also discredited this, stating that Byron has not spoken out publicly on the matter.
“Andy Byron has not put out any statement, reports saying otherwise are all incorrect,” Astronomer indicated.
In an update, Astronomer confirmed that Byron has been placed on leave. Its co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Pete DeJoy, is currently serving as the interim CEO.
Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy is currently serving as interim CEO given Andy Byron has been placed on leave.
— Astronomer (@astronomerio) July 19, 2025
We will share more details as appropriate in the coming days. pic.twitter.com/VfgWPnfycl
