ColdplayGate
A viral kiss cam, a tech CEO, and the social media firestorm that followed. Inside the bizarre scandal rocking the tech world.
Incident Overview
A seemingly light-hearted moment during a Coldplay concert has turned into a viral headache for a fast-growing tech startup. At Gillette Stadium, the "kiss cam" captured what looked like an intimate moment between Andy Byron, the CEO of data startup Astronomer, and the company’s head of people, Kristin Cabot, sparking intense online speculation.
Andy Byron
CEO, Astronomer
Kristin Cabot
Head of People, Astronomer
Astronomer
Data Startup, valued at $775M
Timeline of a Viral Firestorm
The Kiss Cam Moment
During the show, the stadium's "kiss cam" lands on Byron and Cabot. The clip shows the two locked in an embrace before quickly pulling apart and avoiding the camera. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin jokes from the stage: "They’re either having an affair or they’re just very shy.”
The Internet Explodes
The clip takes over TikTok, X, and Instagram, racking up tens of millions of views. Users dub the drama “ColdplayGate.” Astronomer disables comments on its social media accounts after being flooded with memes and speculation. The company and its executives go into radio silence.
"A hard launch of a workplace romantic relationship at a Coldplay concert is not the best way to go about it." – Kate Walker, HR Consultant
Social Media Reacts
Financial & Search Impact
The story explodes beyond social media, with tangible real-world consequences.
What This Means for Astronomer
Astronomer is no small startup. It raised a Series D funding round in May, bringing its valuation to $775 million. Byron joined as CEO in July 2023 and hired Cabot in November. The press release announcing her hire, which praised her "exceptional leadership," has since been removed from LinkedIn.
It’s unclear whether Astronomer has a policy regarding workplace relationships. While the company remains quiet, the internet isn't letting up. Astronomer may soon have to address the situation — especially as it tries to maintain credibility with investors, customers, and employees. Whether this is a viral blip or a reputational risk with long-term consequences remains to be seen.
