The fact that Big Screen caught CEO doing something embarrassing is ...say lawyers on if Astronomer former CEO Andy Byron can sue Coldplay after resignation
Former Astronomer CEO
Andy Byron
was embarrassed publicly after the 'Kiss Cam' scandal which happened at the recent Coldplay concert in Boston. During the recent Coldplay concert in former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR chief Kristin Cabot were seen cuddling in a now viral 'Kiss Cam' moment. The couple after being captured by the camera looked startled, with Cabot turning away and Byron ducking. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin also said jokingly, 'Either they're having an affair, or they're just very shy.' Now legal experts suggest that Byron has no viable grounds to sue the band. As reported by The Mirror, lawyers suggest that being caught on a big screen doing something embarrassing in public does not constitute a legal claim against the performers or venue.
Lawyers weigh in: No legal case
After the whole viral controversy there were speculations that Byron may sue Coldplay for the public humiliation. However, the legal experts claim that Byron would be dead on arrival and has no grounds to sue the brand or the venue. Employment lawyer Ron Zambrano told The Mirror that any lawsuit would be 'dead on arrival,' noting that Coldplay's use of the Kiss Cam is protected as artistic expression. 'They just got caught,' he said bluntly.
Entertainment attorney Tre Lovell added that Byron has no expectation of privacy at a public event. 'The fact that the big screen caught the CEO doing something embarrassing or immoral in public is on him,' Lovell said.
He clarified that while it is illegal to use someone's image for commercial purposes without permission or to defame them with false portrayals, the "Kiss Cam" incident did neither.
Astronomer announces Andy Byron resignation as CEO
Announcing Andy Byron's resignation, Astronomer said in a statement, "Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted. The Board will begin a search for our next Chief Executive as Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy continues to serve as interim CEO.'
The resignation came less than 24 hours after Astronomer announced Byron and Cabot had been put on leave and that a formal investigation was pending. "Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy is currently serving as interim CEO given Andy Byron has been placed on leave. We will share more details as appropriate in the coming days," said the company.
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