The “ColdplayGate” scandal has claimed another high-profile casualty. Kristin Cabot, the Chief People Officer at Astronomer who was caught in the viral “kiss cam” video alongside former CEO Andy Byron, has officially resigned from her position, the company confirmed today. Her departure comes just days after Byron himself stepped down amidst the widespread public backlash and internal scrutiny.
A spokesperson for the New York-based data and AI firm confirmed Cabot’s resignation to several media outlets on Thursday, July 24, 2025. “Kristin Cabot is no longer with Astronomer; she has resigned,” the spokesperson stated, without providing further details. Her profile has since been removed from the company’s leadership page.
The controversy erupted on July 16 at a Coldplay concert in Gillette Stadium near Boston, when the venue’s “kiss cam” zoomed in on Byron and Cabot in an intimate embrace. Their startled reaction, attempting to hide from the camera, went viral, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin even quipping from the stage, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.” The clip quickly amassed tens of millions of views, igniting a firestorm of speculation and criticism, particularly as both executives were reportedly married to other individuals.
In the immediate aftermath, Astronomer announced an internal investigation and placed both Cabot and Byron on administrative leave. Andy Byron tendered his resignation as CEO on July 19, with co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy stepping in as interim CEO.
Cabot’s resignation, approximately a week after Byron’s, reflects the complex nature of executive departures, especially when legal and contractual obligations are involved. As Chief People Officer, Cabot was responsible for Astronomer’s human resources, culture, and employee engagement. Employment lawyers had previously noted that terminating an HR head involves additional complexities, including potential contractual provisions and the thoroughness of internal investigations. Some speculated that Cabot might have been negotiating her own exit deal.
Neither Kristin Cabot nor Andy Byron has issued any personal public statements addressing the scandal directly. However, new details continue to emerge that further complicate the narrative. Recently, another video surfaced showing Byron and Cabot engaged in public displays of affection at the Coldplay concert before the kiss cam incident, suggesting a more sustained interaction. Separately, unverified reports claim Byron spent $40,000 on video calls with an OnlyFans creator.
Cabot’s husband, Andrew Cabot, CEO of Privateer Rum, has not commented publicly on the matter, but Kristin Cabot was recently photographed for the first time since the scandal, tending to her home in Rye, New Hampshire, notably without her wedding ring.
With both top executives now out, Astronomer faces the challenge of rebuilding its leadership and restoring its public image. Interim CEO Pete DeJoy has acknowledged the “unusual and surreal” media attention, emphasizing the company’s commitment to its values, culture, and core mission. However, the “ColdplayGate” continues to be a cautionary tale for corporations and executives alike, underscoring the swift and far-reaching consequences of personal conduct in the age of viral social media.