MADISON, WI – Just days after the “ColdplayGate” scandal exploded across the internet, involving a viral “kiss cam” moment featuring Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin appears to be taking the incident in stride – and even using it as material for his live shows. During a recent concert in Madison, Wisconsin, Martin delivered a tongue-in-cheek warning to his audience, subtly referencing the now-infamous public display of affection.
The original incident, which occurred at Gillette Stadium on July 16, 2025, saw Byron and Cabot caught in an intimate embrace on the Jumbotron. Their panicked reactions to being spotlighted instantly went viral, leading to Byron’s resignation from Astronomer and Cabot’s subsequent departure, along with a high-profile divorce filing by Byron’s wife. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin himself had initially quipped from the stage, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”
Now, it seems Martin is ensuring no further surprises, at least not without a heads-up. During Coldplay’s performance at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin, just days after the Boston concert, Martin addressed the crowd before the usual “kiss cam” segment.
“We’d like to say hello to some of you in the crowd,” Martin announced, according to fan-recorded videos widely circulated online. He then added with a knowing smile that drew cheers and laughter from the audience, “How we’re gonna do that is we’re gonna use our cameras and put some of you on the big screen. So please, if you haven’t done your makeup, do your makeup now!”
While Martin did not explicitly name Byron or Cabot, the timing and context of his remark left little doubt among concertgoers and online observers about the implicit reference. The playful warning was widely interpreted as a direct, albeit subtle, dig at the previous incident, cautioning fans about the potential for unexpected public exposure.
The “ColdplayGate” has become a global phenomenon, sparking discussions about workplace ethics, privacy in the digital age, and the swift consequences of public actions caught on camera. Andy Byron has reportedly threatened a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Coldplay, claiming the incident “ruined his life,” a move that legal experts largely dismiss as baseless given the public nature of the event.
Chris Martin’s lighthearted approach, however, contrasts sharply with the severity of the fallout for Byron and Cabot. It highlights how quickly a serious corporate and personal scandal can transform into fodder for pop culture commentary. The “Jumbotron Song,” as it’s sometimes called, a regular feature of Coldplay concerts, now carries an added layer of anticipation and perhaps, a touch of caution, thanks to the unforgettable incident in Boston.