Coldplay kiss cam drama could spell doom for CEO Andy Byron & Kristen Cabot's careers…or even RUIN company, lawyers say
Married Astronomer boss Andy Byron and his alleged mistress Kristin Cabot were
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The moment Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot appeared on Coldplay's 'kiss cam'
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Mr Byron dived to hide behind the barrier while Cabot turned and covered her face
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The pair rushed to hide their faces as the crowd laughed
Credit: tiktok/instaagraace
The panicked pair - who both have families of their own - were
Their reaction to being filmed has caught the world's attention - with
Neither Mr Byron nor Ms Cabot - who is understood to be divorced - has so far spoken out on the sordid event.
But the embarrassing scandal may well mean the beginning of professional downfall in their respective careers, according to experts.
read more on the scandal
Employment lawyers have revealed the extent of damage that all of this could cause to both of them - and the company.
William
Cafaro, co-counsel at Big Apple-based Buzin Law, told the
He added: "I would say she's just about certain to be removed from her position.
"Because how can you have someone in HR who is having an affair with the CEO imposing or making disciplinary decisions over any other employees. That's ludicrous.
Most read in The US Sun
Helen Rella, who does employment litigation for
Wilk Auslander, told the media outlet many aspects of the event would depend on the tech firm's codes of ethics and rules.
She added: "As I tell my own clients, your friends today could be your enemy tomorrow.
Agonising moment tech CEO Andy Byron is caught 'cheating' with his HR chief at Coldplay gig as pair cuddle on big screen
"You never know when an employment issue could arise where somebody might be subject to termination or disciplinary action.
'And when there's an instance where somebody in a supervisory position is involved with somebody underneath them, there could potentially be a claim that they were being targeted.
"Not that that's true, but that's one avenue of potential exposure for the company.'
And as far as Mr Byron is concerned, workplace conduct experts as well as lawyers say a potential dismissal from his duties is possible if the actions violate company policies.
It will be up to the other five members of the firm's executive board to decide, experts added.
While it's unclear if Astronomy paid for the
tickets
to the concert, which Ms Rella argues could make the situation more complicated.
A chorus of laughter echoed around the jam-packed stadium when
- without knowing who they were - quipped: "Oh what... either they're having an affair or they're very shy."
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A second angle of the couple at the Coldplay concert cuddling has been published
Credit: X
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Once the pair realise they are on camera they look shocked
Credit: X
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Coldplay fan Grace Springer who shot the video spoke to The US Sun
Grace Springer, 28, said she never meant to cause a scandal - but stands by sharing the footage.
She said: "I had no idea who the couple was. Just thought I caught an interesting reaction to the kiss cam and decided to post it.
"A part of me feels bad for turning these people's lives upside down, but, play stupid games… win stupid prizes.
"I hope their partners can heal from this and get a second chance at the happiness they deserve with their
future
still in front of them."
According to Mr Byron's LinkedIn, he has been CEO of software development company Astronomer - understood to be worth more than $1.3 billion (£1 billion) - since July 2023.
He called Ms Cabot a "proven leader" when she joined the company in November last year as the head of HR.
The CEO gushed: "Kristin's exceptional leadership and deep expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and scaling people strategies will be critical as we continue our rapid trajectory."
Ms Calbot released a similarly enthusiastic comment, saying she thought the "real magic happens when you align the people strategy with the
business
strategy."
On her LinkedIn, she boasts: "I lead by example and win trust with employees of all levels, from CEOs to managers to assistants."
One social media user commented: "Sorry for the wife but glad they're being exposed and embarrassed."
The US Sun has approached Astronomer for comment.
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Andy Byron has worked at the tech firm for more than two years
Credit: linkedin
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Kristin Cabot is Astronomer's Chief People Officer
Credit: linkedin
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Chris Martin joked that the pair were 'either having an affair or they're very shy'
Credit: Getty
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Social media users piled in with jokes poking fun at Byron, Cabot and Coldplay, who are currently on their Music of the Spheres world tour and are set to perform in Madison, Wisconsin tonight before dates in the UK next month. X user Don Lewis joked: 'I would like to thank Coldplay for bringing the nation together. For a day, you fixed us.' Eric Matheny wrote above the picture of Byron hugging Cabot from behind: 'Coldplay hasn't made a single in years. Last night, they made two.' Marisa Baldassaro poked fun at the band, saying: 'I'd divorce my husband just for attending a Coldplay concert.' Another user quipped: 'Coldplay should out people at every concert and say that they've just been Coldplayed.' 14 Memes quickly circulated on social media, replacing the pair with Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump Credit: 14 Social media users had lots of fun at the couple's expense, even mocking them up in a Lego set Credit: 14 Cheating UK politician Matt Hancock was sent up in a meme circulating on social media Credit: Referring to the ongoing scandal in the US over late paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein's client list, another wrote: 'Maybe Coldplay can reveal the Epstein list too.' Scores of users have recreated the kiss cam scene with the faces of Epstein and Donald Trump, joking the band's concerts were 'getting out of hand'. Other light-hearted images referencing the couples embrace include shamed ex-minister Matt Hancock snogging his lover Gina Coladangelo and Wayne Rooney embracing a granny. 'Blessing in disguise' Meanwhile, a source told the New York Post that former employees who had worked with Byron were revelling in his misfortune. The unnamed former colleague said: 'The text groups and chains of former employees are like, everybody's laughing their a off and enjoying the hell out of what happened and him getting exposed.' The source is said to have described Byron as 'toxic' in the workplace, with an alleged reputation for being aggressive and sales-obsessed. An article published last year about cybersecurity tech company Cybereason, where he worked as chief revenue officer in 2017, said: 'Multiple former employees said Mr Byron would lash out against employees who disagreed with him, including threatening to fire them.' A former employee told tech and business website The Information of Byron: 'You couldn't challenge him.' Last night 14 Coldplay fan Grace Springer says she feels some guilt about circulating the clip, but adds the couple are ultimately to blame Credit: instaagraace/Instagram Coldplay fan Grace Springer, 28, from New Jersey, told The Sun: 'I had no idea who the couple were. I just thought I caught an interesting reaction to the kiss cam and decided to post it. "A part of me feels bad for turning these people's lives upside down — but play stupid games, win stupid prizes. 'I hope their partners can heal from this and get a second chance at the happiness they deserve. 'I hope, for them, my video was a blessing in disguise.' And last night the hunt was on among to identify the embarrassed-looking woman who was seen standing next to Byron and Cabot when they were caught out. The brunette could be seen smiling sheepishly and holding her head in one hand after Byron and Cabot had ducked down. 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