CEO out but not HR head! Why has Astronomer not fired Kristin Cabot after the scandal at Coldplay concert?
According to the New York Post, the New York-based data science company is treading cautiously due to potential legal implications.
Cabot's future at Astronomer remains uncertain. Legal experts quoted by the Post suggest that the delay in any decision may be tied to 'likely contracts, internal investigations, and legal issues.' Some speculate that Cabot could be in the process of negotiating an exit deal, while others believe the company is awaiting the outcome of an internal probe before determining her fate.
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When the Camera Clicked at the Worst Possible Time
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Experts have also noted that if the relationship between Byron and Cabot was consensual, a sexual harassment lawsuit would be unlikely.
What Happened at the Concert?
The incident unfolded during a Coldplay concert last Wednesday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. As frontman Chris Martin performed his 'Jumbotron Song' — where he improvises lyrics about audience members shown on the big screen — a couple appeared cuddling and smiling. The woman seemed visibly shocked when she noticed the camera, covering her face and quickly turning away, while the man also ducked out of the frame.
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'Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy,' Martin quipped on stage.
Who Were They?
The internet quickly identified the pair: Andy Byron, Astronomer's CEO, and Kristin Cabot, the company's chief people officer. Their cozy moment soon went viral, sparking speculation and raising serious questions about professional boundaries at the top levels of the company.
Initially, Astronomer was tight-lipped, dismissing a fake statement attributed to Byron as a 'clearly labeled parody.' But the company later confirmed the identities of the couple in a statement to the Associated Press.
Fallout for the CEO
As the video gained traction online, Byron became the most searched name on Google for a time. On Friday, Astronomer placed him on leave and launched a formal investigation. A day later, the company announced his resignation. Co-founder and chief product officer Pete DeJoy has since been appointed interim CEO.
In a statement, the company later said: 'Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.'
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