Coldplay concert 'kiss cam' sparks viral controversy after CEO caught in awkward moment
A 'kiss cam' moment during a Coldplay concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts, went viral after it caught a tech CEO and his colleague in a compromising scene, sparking internet memes, misinformation, and questions about their relationship.
- A 'kiss cam' at a Coldplay concert captured US CEO Andy Byron and HR head Kristin Cabot in a compromising moment.]
- Chris Martin's onstage joke suggested they were either shy or having an affair; Byron is reportedly married.
- The video went viral on platforms like X and TikTok, sparking memes and misinformation.
A Coldplay concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States, took an unexpected turn on 16 July 2025 when a playful 'kiss cam' moment drew global attention for all the wrong reasons.
During the performance, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin was engaging with the crowd using the stadium's kiss cam. The live camera landed on Andy Byron, CEO of US software firm Astronomer, and the company’s head of human resources, Kristin Cabot.
The two were standing close together, appearing to share a quiet moment with Bryon hugging the other from the back, when Martin joked from the stage: “Oh, look at these two.”
The tone of the event quickly shifted when Byron ducked out of view behind a barrier and Cabot hid her face in her hands. The audience reacted with laughter, prompting Martin to comment: “Oh what... either they're having an affair or they're very shy.”
Social media users swiftly picked up on the moment, with many pointing out that Byron is reportedly married. Cabot is said to be divorced, though this has not been officially confirmed.
The incident’s video was widely shared, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. One video clip amassed over million of views within 24 hours.
What followed was a deluge of memes, jokes, and notably, false information. A widely circulated post on X falsely claimed to share a statement from Byron apologising for the situation. The fabricated message included the line: “I am a Coldplay fan. And not just of the first two albums. I also like the recent stuff.”
Another viral fake featured a supposed statement from the band Coldplay itself, saying: “Starting with our next show, we’re introducing camera-free audience sections for people and their sidepieces.”
Both posts were debunked, but not before they were shared thousands of times. Social media commentary ranged from light-hearted jokes to more pointed critiques about corporate conduct and personal ethics.
As of 19 July 2025, Astronomer has not released any official response to the incident. Byron’s LinkedIn profile has been taken offline, further fuelling speculation online.
Coldplay has also remained silent on the viral moment, and no changes have been reported in their concert audience interaction protocols.
According to company records, Byron assumed the CEO position at Astronomer in July 2023. The company specialises in data orchestration and is based in the United States.
Kristin Cabot, as head of HR, is a key figure within the organisation. Neither Byron nor Cabot has issued a public statement addressing the situation.
The viral moment has also sparked debate over privacy in public settings and the consequences of real-time social media exposure.
While the initial reaction centred on humour, others have raised concerns about potential workplace implications and ethical boundaries, especially in leadership roles.