Ex-Astronomer HR Exec Kristin Cabot Files for Divorce After Viral Coldplay ‘Kiss Cam’ Scandal with Boss
Trending: Office Romance Fallout Goes Viral
In a dramatic turn that has captivated social media and tabloids alike, Kristin Cabot, the former Chief People Officer at tech firm Astronomer, has filed for divorce from her husband Andrew Cabot just weeks after being exposed in an intimate embrace with her boss, CEO Andy Byron, on the “kiss cam” at a Coldplay concert. The July 16, 2025, incident at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, sparked a media frenzy when the pair’s awkward reaction—ducking and covering their faces—led Coldplay frontman Chris Martin to quip onstage, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.” Now, with Cabot’s divorce petition surfacing in court records, the scandal’s personal repercussions are unfolding, raising questions about workplace ethics, power dynamics, and the perils of public exposure in the digital age.
The Kiss Cam Moment That Shook Astronomer
The fateful evening unfolded during Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres” tour stop, where the jumbotron spotlighted Cabot, 52, and Byron, 58, cuddling in the stands. Fan-recorded video captured their arms intertwined, swaying to the music, before they realized they were on display—prompting Cabot to shield her face and Byron to duck out of frame. Martin’s lighthearted but pointed remark amplified the moment, which exploded online, racking up millions of views on X, TikTok, and Instagram within hours.
Internet sleuths quickly identified the duo as top executives at Astronomer, a New York-based data orchestration company valued at around $1 billion and known for its open-source tool Astro, built on Apache Airflow. Byron had led the firm since July 2023, while Cabot joined in November 2024 as head of HR, overseeing culture and talent—ironically, roles that demand upholding professional boundaries. Both were married at the time: Byron to marketing executive Megan Kerrigan, with whom he shares children, and Cabot to Andrew Cabot, CEO of Privateer Rum and a serial entrepreneur on his third marriage.
The video’s virality forced Astronomer’s hand. On July 19, the company placed Byron on leave pending an internal investigation, citing a failure to meet “standards of conduct and accountability.” He resigned the next day, with co-founder Pete DeJoy stepping in as interim CEO. Cabot followed suit on July 24, resigning as Chief People Officer amid the fallout. Neither has commented publicly, but the company’s LinkedIn statement emphasized its commitment to values, adding, “While awareness of our company may have changed overnight, our product and our work for our customers have not.”
Divorce Filing: A Month of Turmoil
Court documents obtained by the Daily Mail reveal Cabot filed for divorce in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on August 13, 2025—less than a month after the concert. The petition cites irreconcilable differences in her marriage to Andrew Cabot, who confirmed the separation to his ex-wife Julia (Andrew’s second wife, divorced in 2018) shortly after the video surfaced. Julia, speaking to the outlet, described Andrew as “a money-obsessed ego-maniac” and called the scandal “karma,” noting he seemed unfazed beyond the embarrassment. “He’s saying it has nothing to do with him, even though they were married and shared a house,” she said.
The couple, who reside in New Hampshire, had appeared cohesive publicly; Cabot even posed with Andrew’s son from a previous marriage at a family event in April 2024, wearing her wedding ring. Post-scandal photos showed Cabot without her ring, fueling speculation. A next hearing is scheduled for November 26 in New Hampshire’s 10th Circuit Court.
Byron’s personal life has also unraveled; reports indicate his wife Megan changed her surname on Facebook amid the backlash, though no divorce filing has been confirmed.
Background: Power Dynamics and Workplace Scandals
Astronomer, with under 500 employees, specializes in data workflow automation for enterprises, raising $93 million in funding earlier in 2025. The scandal highlighted ethical red flags in executive relationships, particularly between a CEO and HR leader, where power imbalances can foster coercion or favoritism. HR experts told NBC News that such romances, if undisclosed, violate company policies and erode trust. “It demonstrates a failure to lead by example,” one analyst noted.
The incident drew parallels to past corporate embarrassments, like the 2019 WeWork scandal involving CEO Adam Neumann’s alleged affairs. Astronomer leaned into the buzz with a humorous PR video featuring Gwyneth Paltrow (Martin’s ex-wife) as a “temporary spokesperson,” quipping about the company’s tech while nodding to the “OMG” moment— a move praised by PR experts for turning infamy into brand awareness.
Social media memes exploded, with users joking about the “cost of divorce” outweighing concert tickets, while others debated consent and shaming. The video’s uploader, Grace Springer, expressed mixed feelings: “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.”
Impact: Careers Derailed, Lessons Learned
The fallout cost both executives their jobs, with Byron’s resignation tarnishing his reputation after roles at firms like Lacework. Cabot, a seasoned HR leader from growth-stage companies, now faces personal and professional scrutiny. Andrew Cabot’s rum business remains unaffected publicly, but the divorce—his third—adds to family strain.
Experts warn of broader implications for office romances: A 2025 SHRM survey found 40% of U.S. workers have dated colleagues, but 60% fear career repercussions post-#MeToo. Companies like Astronomer may tighten policies, emphasizing disclosure and anti-fraternization rules.
Legal whispers include potential defamation suits against Coldplay, though experts deem them “frivolous” without proof of malice.
Next Steps: Court Dates and Public Reckoning
Cabot’s divorce proceedings continue with a November hearing; asset division and alimony could prolong the saga. Byron and Cabot have stayed silent, but tabloids speculate on their current relationship. Astronomer, under DeJoy, focuses on growth, with the scandal ironically boosting visibility—though at what cost?
For those navigating similar situations, HR pros advise transparency and professional boundaries. Victims of workplace harassment can contact the EEOC or resources like RAINN.
Conclusion: From Concert High to Personal Low
Kristin Cabot’s divorce filing marks the latest chapter in a scandal that turned a fun concert moment into career-ending chaos for her and Andy Byron. What began as a viral quip from Chris Martin has exposed the raw underbelly of executive accountability and marital fallout. The takeaway: In an era of instant scrutiny, workplace romances carry high risks—prioritize ethics, disclose conflicts, and remember that the camera (and internet) never forgets.