Why HR exec Kristin Cabot, in Coldplay concert cheating scandal, hasn't been fired — and whether she can sue the company
Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot is on leave, but hasn't been publicly given the boot over liability concerns, legal experts said — and it's not so easy to dump employees just because of 'ugly' headlines.
Cabot's fate at the New York-based data science company is still murky — though employment lawyers also threw cold water on any possible sexual harassment case or similar claims.
4 Former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron was caught dancing with the company's Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot on camera at a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. last week.
instaagraace/TikTok
'In a real-world big company, you can't just fire someone because the headlines are ugly,' said attorney Nicole Brenecki.
'There are likely contracts, internal investigations, and legal issues involved.
'If HR greenlit what happened with Coldplay, and there is a supporting paper trail, heads will likely roll. It just might take a few more days before the axe drops.'
Cabot, who took the job in November 2024 became one half of a viral public scandal when she and Byron were called out by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin on the jumbotron at the show at Gillette Stadium outside Boston.
Astronomer later publicly confirmed an investigation into the incident is underway.
4 Cabot was placed on leave by the company after the video of the two executives went viral.
Maud Cabot/Facebook
Both Byron and Cabot appear to be married to other people, according to social media posts — adding a layer to the scandal.
An email to Astronomer seeking comment on Cabot's job status was not returned Monday, though the new interim CEO weighed in on the scandal online.
Here is the latest on the CEO caught cheating on a Coldplay concert jumbotron
Pete DeJoy, the company's co-founder, said in a LinkedIn post the immense attention 'has been unusual and surreal for Astronomer workers.
'While I would never have wished for it to happen like this, Astronomer is now a household name,' DeJoy said.
4 Byron resigned days after the footage came out.
LinkedIn/Andy Byron
'The events of the past few days have received a level of media attention that few companies – let alone startups in our small corner of the data and AI world – ever encounter,' he added.
Another employment attorney, William Cafaro, suggested that booting Cabot would be easy, but he suspects the company and her might be wrangling over an exit deal.
'Like if you were to look for a picture of 'cause' [for firing] in the dictionary, it would show a picture of the head of HR having a public affair with the CEO of the company,' he told The Post.
He added that it's 'difficult to conceive' how she could continue in her current role.
Attorney Douglas Wigdor theorized there could be more details about the relationship that the public isn't privy to. He said that could be a factor in why Cabot has not publicly left the company.
Additionally, the results of the internal probe could determine what the company ultimately does with Cabot, Wigdor added.
'Maybe there's more to the story from her,' the founding partner of Wigdor LLP said. 'That's definitely possible about how it came to be that they're at this concert and they're embracing. It's a short video so it's hard to know what exactly is going on.'
Legal experts also doubted she could bring forward a claim of sexual harassment, even though Byron was her superior.
'Unless she was pressured into the relationship because of a power imbalance, there's not much of a case,' Brenecki said.
4 The Post's cover on the infamous Coldplay concert video.
'If it was consensual… a sexual harassment suit would be a stretch. In fact, a jury might laugh it out of court. Being embarrassed on a jumbotron isn't the same as being harassed at work.'
Wigdor echoed that sentiment – though he again cautioned it was based on limited information.
'She'd have to demonstrate their relationship was unwanted and I think based off what I've seen would be difficult,' he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a few seconds ago
- Yahoo
Trump Commerce Sec Dishes On President's Bizarre Bedtime Calls
President Donald Trump tucks his Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick into bed with a phone call most nights, according to a new profile in The New Yorker. The two men often speak around 1 a.m. 'just after Lutnick gets in bed,' according to the piece published Monday. Sometimes the president and the billionaire businessman discuss serious matters, like tariffs. Other times, it's 'nothing,' Lutnick admitted. That 'nothing' includes 'sporting events, people, who'd you have dinner with, what was this guy like, can you believe what this guy did, what's the TV like, I saw this on TV, what'd you think of what this guy said on TV, what did you think about my press conference, how about this Truth?' according to the article. Trump also makes late-night calls to others, Lutnick noted, though he didn't specify who. The practice echoes Trump's late-night habits during his first term. A 2018 New York magazine report detailed how Trump would often phone Fox News host Sean Hannity after his show aired, with the pair 'gabbing like old girlfriends' about the media, ratings and the so-called 'witch hunt' against him. Related... Donald Trump Jr. Shares Anti-Obama Meme That May Have Just Clowned JD Vance, Too CNN's Erin Burnett Nails The Playbook Behind Trump's Epstein Distraction Blitz Trump Shares Utterly Unhinged AI Video Of Obama Arrest In Oval Office
New York Post
2 minutes ago
- New York Post
Liam Gallagher tells ‘lovebirds' at Oasis gig not to worry after Coldplay's viral kiss cam drama: ‘None of our f–king business'
Liam Gallagher put Oasis fans at ease during Sunday's concert in Manchester, England by telling them that their love will not be aired on a Jumbotron as Coldplay's viral kiss cam saga continues to unfold. The Oasis singer, who is currently touring with his feuding brother, assured fans that there is no need to hide their PDA at their shows, adding that it's simply, 'none of our f–king business.' 'Do we have any lovebirds in the house? Don't worry, we ain't got any of that Coldplay, snidey f–king camera s–t,' Gallagher told the audience in a fan-recorded clip shared on X. 4 Liam Gallagher put Oasis fans at ease during Sunday's concert in Manchester by telling them that their love will not be aired on a Jumbotron. AFP via Getty Images 'It doesn't matter to us who you're f–king mingling with, or tingling with or f–ring with. But this one's for the lovebirds anyway.' The foul-mouthed warning may have come as a welcome announcement to some, as last week's Coldplay concert served as the backdrop for the unveiling of a scandal. Frontman Chris Martin was left red-faced after accidentally exposing a tech tycoon's 'affair' with a co-worker on a jumbotron during his Massachusetts gig at their show Thursday. After the clip of the two concertgoers broke the internet, internet sleuths quickly identified the loved-up couple as Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and the company's head of HR, Kristin Cabot. The moment happened moments after the co-workers were mistakenly caught on an impromptu kiss cam as part of 'The Jumbotron Song' — which leads the band into their 2005 hit 'Fix You.' Seconds after realizing the pair were on the big screen, the frazzled tech honcho was seen quickly ducking out of frame, with a mortified Cabot turning away from the crowd of 55,000 concertgoers at Gillette Stadium. 4 Last week, Coldplay's Chris Martin accidentally exposed a tech tycoon's 'affair' with a co-worker on a Jumbotron. Grace Springer via Storyful 4 Seconds after realizing the pair were on the big screen, the frazzled pair were seen turning away from the crowd of 55,000 concertgoers at Gillette Stadium. instaagraace/TikTok At first, Martin thought the camera had captured a sweet moment, saying, 'Look at these two.' But following their bizarre reaction to being on camera, Martin quickly became confused. 'Oh, what?' the 'Clocks' singer can be heard saying on stage. 'Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy.' Start your day with all you need to know Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more. Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters 'Holy s–t. I hope we didn't do something bad,' he said, according to additional footage taken right after. Following the ordeal, it emerged that Byron is married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, while Cabot recently divorced her husband, Kenneth Thornby. 4 'Oh, what?' Martin can be heard saying on stage. 'Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy.' Getty Images In a further twist to the drama, the tech tycoon's wife removed her married name from her Facebook page Thursday. Days later, Byron had resigned as the CEO of Astronomer — the $1.3 billion AI company he helped found.
Business Wire
2 minutes ago
- Business Wire
Benfica Unveils Bold New Vision and Masterplan for Estádio da Luz and Surrounding Precinct with World-Class Fan and Community Facilities
LISBON, Portugal--(BUSINESS WIRE)--S.L. Benfica has unveiled a transformative new masterplan for Estádio da Luz, positioning the stadium as a premier international sports and entertainment destination – aligning it with the most exciting developments of its kind around the world – while enhancing the fan experience and strengthening its connection with both supporters and the local community. S.L. Benfica unveils its transformative new masterplan for Estádio da Luz, positioning the stadium as a premier international sports and entertainment destination – aligning it with the most exciting developments of its kind around the world. Share Populous has led all aspects of the masterplan design in collaboration with the renowned Lisbon-based architecture firm Saraiva + Associados. Populous also served as the original designer of the stadium, which opened in 2004. A World-Class District for Sports, Culture and Entertainment The project will modernise the stadium's facilities and introduce new venues, amenities and public spaces to the surrounding precinct, creating a valuable civic asset for the people of Benfica and supporting the club's long-term financial sustainability. The masterplan includes: A 10,000-capacity multi-purpose indoor arena, capable of hosting concerts, cultural events, esports and major sporting events. Two state-of-the-art indoor sports halls with capacities of 2,500 and 1,500 seats respectively, adaptable for basketball, volleyball, boxing and more that replace the current pavilions and swimming pool A new community swimming pool (25x25m) with modern amenities, offering a recreational resource for fans and residents alike. A new theatre and events space, holding up to 500 people. An outdoor rooftop football pitch and a running track, creating immersive training and fitness environments in the heart of Lisbon. Commercial and residential facilities Enhanced Fan Experience at the Core Benfiquistas – as the club's supporters are known – will enjoy a new pre- and post-match gathering space in the form of a 100m x 40m fan plaza in front of the stadium's main façade, inspired by Lisbon's famed civic squares such as Praça do Rossio. With capacity for over 10,000 fans, the plaza will feature a DJ deck and event space, and will be surrounded by food and beverage outlets, retail and terraced restaurants – establishing it as a year-round destination for the city. Supporters will also benefit from a range of enhancements across the campus, including hospitality terraces, large-format sky-screen installations, and improved connectivity bridges to enhance movement and accessibility. The statue of Eusébio – a beloved icon of the club – will be carefully relocated to stand at the main entrance to the plaza, prominently positioned against the backdrop of the stadium's façade to greet fans as they arrive. Modernisation of the Estádio da Luz The project will also refresh and reinvigorate the stadium itself. A new façade – fluid and dynamic in its architecture – redefines the stadium's form through a contemporary lens, tempering light and heat to provide shade for the concourses and enhance fan comfort, while preserving the building's iconic curved roof trusses. The facade features integrated LED lighting that weaves a dynamic digital layer across the entire structure, illuminating the architecture on matchdays. It transforms the stadium into both a beacon for supporters and an immersive backdrop for the fan plaza. This programmable LED 'skin' also allows the stadium to adapt effortlessly to a wide range of events, from football matches to concerts. Michael Forward, Associate Principal at Populous and Lead Designer for the project, explains: 'The stadium façade articulates a contemporary architectural language rooted in Lisbon's evolving urban narrative. A restrained palette of neutral tones fosters a seamless dialogue with the surrounding masterplan, while vertical louvres lend both rhythm and porosity to the envelope. The overall effect pays homage to Benfica's heritage while creating a striking visual effect looking confidently to the future.' Additionally, a new fourth level will be added to the stadium, outside the seating bowl, providing 6,800 sqm of mixed-use space that includes the potential for club offices, an increased-capacity premium hospitality offering and commercial facilities. This extension is part of a wider strategy to activate the stadium beyond matchdays and embed it more deeply in Lisbon's urban life. Sustainability and Legacy The project champions sustainable design principles, integrating photovoltaic panels on the arena roof, 'green' roofs, rainwater harvesting and landscape strategies that support ecological resilience. The development is designed not only to enhance the matchday experience but to provide long-term social and environmental benefits to the Lisbon community. Quotes: Rui Costa, President of S.L. Benfica, said: 'This is an ambitious and strategic project, focused on our members, fans, and the continued growth of the club, which we intend to begin implementing immediately. Our aim is to enhance the stadium and wider masterplan facilities to support all sports and further strengthen Benfica's position, both in Portugal and around the world, as the country's leading sporting institution – with completion in time for the major international competitions that Portugal will host. It is a project in the true Benfica spirit – one that enhances the competitive environment, deepens the club experience, and welcomes all those who want to experience what it means to be part of the Chama Imensa, the greatest in Portugal. It is a commitment to make us stronger, more valuable, and an even greater leader.' Tom Jones, Senior Principal and Project Architect, said: 'This masterplan is an example of how venue-anchored mixed-use developments can reinvigorate a whole district, and sets a new benchmark for how stadiums can serve as cultural and community beacons. Estádio da Luz will not just be a home for Benfica's proud history, but a catalyst for its vibrant future.' Jorge Betancor, Principal at Populous, who leads the firm's operations in Portugal, said: 'The Estádio da Luz is one of Portugal's and Europe's most iconic stadiums. This project will modernise its facilities and create new amenities within the precinct for both spectators on matchdays and the public year-round – aligning it with developments such as Wembley Stadium and Manchester City's Etihad Stadium. It will set a new benchmark in Portugal and at an exciting juncture in the country's sporting development as it builds towards World Cup 2030.' About Populous Populous is a global architecture and design practice specialising in the design of sports and entertainment venues. The firm's portfolio includes Benfica's Estádio da Luz, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium in the UK, along with stadium-anchored masterplans such as Casablanca Stadium in Morocco - set to become the largest football stadium in the world – and Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. Over the last 40 years, the practice has designed more than 3,500 projects worth over $60 billion across emerging and established markets. Populous' comprehensive services include architecture, interior design, event planning and overlay, brand activation, wayfinding, urban design, food & beverage strategy, landscape architecture and sustainable design consulting. Populous has over 1,500 staff and 31 offices on four continents, with regional centres in London, Kansas City and Brisbane.
