The unexpected moment of two Astronomer employees caught on the kiss cam at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts has become a viral sensation, leading to significant consequences for both individuals involved. During the band’s performance on July 16, 2023, CEO Andy Byron and Chief Product Officer Kristin Cabot were displayed on the large screen, sharing an intimate moment. Upon realizing they were being filmed, the pair quickly separated, prompting Coldplay frontman Chris Martin to speculate on their relationship status.
What followed was a whirlwind of online commentary and speculation, ultimately revealing that Byron and Cabot were not in a romantic relationship. Instead, they were both navigating their personal lives, with Cabot in the midst of a divorce. The fallout from the incident, dubbed #Coldplaygate, led to both Byron and Cabot leaving their positions at Astronomer.
Kristin Cabot Addresses the Incident
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Cabot expressed her regret over the incident that garnered widespread attention. She clarified that she and Byron had never shared a romantic encounter prior to the concert. “I made a bad decision and had a couple of High Noons [hard seltzers] and danced and acted inappropriately with my boss. And I took accountability and I gave up my career for that,” Cabot stated. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging one’s mistakes, especially in front of her children.
“I want my kids to know that you can make mistakes, and you can really screw up, but you don’t have to be threatened to be killed for them,” Cabot added.
Cabot’s decision to speak out appears to be part of an effort to move forward from the incident as she contemplates her next steps in her career and personal life.
Cabot Critiques Gwyneth Paltrow’s Response
In a separate discussion, Cabot took aim at actress and entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow. Paltrow recently appeared in a promotional video for Astronomer, acting as a temporary spokesperson. Cabot expressed her disappointment in Paltrow’s involvement, given the actress’s past controversies regarding her approach to relationships. “I was such a fan of her company, which seemed to be about uplifting women. And then she did this,” Cabot remarked.
Cabot’s reaction was strong enough that she chose to dispose of all items associated with Paltrow’s wellness brand, Goop, in protest. She described the video as hypocritical and expressed her discontent with Paltrow’s actions.
While Byron has remained largely silent following the incident, he has been spotted publicly with his wife, suggesting an attempt to distance himself from the scandal. As both Cabot and Byron move on from their previous roles, the fallout from that fateful night at the Coldplay concert continues to resonate.
As for Cabot’s future, speculation about her next career steps remains. Her candid remarks and the viral nature of the event have positioned her in a unique spotlight, potentially opening new opportunities beyond her previous role at Astronomer.
