Coldplay Concert Scandal: HR Executive Kristin Cabot, an Astronomer, Is Still on Leave

After she and then-CEO Andy Byron were seen sharing a public embrace on the jumbotron during a Coldplay performance, Kristin Cabot, an HR executive at data company Astronomer, is still on administrative leave. Frontman Chris Martin joked, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy,” after the two reacted awkwardly in the video, with Cabo covering her face and Byron ducking.

Online rumors were stoked when social media users immediately pointed out that Cabot and Byron are both married. Known as “Coldplaygate,” the controversy went viral online and prompted internal company investigations.

Byron left his position as CEO shortly after. Astronomer announced co-founder Pete DeJoy as the company’s interim CEO while it looks for a permanent replacement, and he confirmed his resignation in a LinkedIn statement.

Cabot is still listed as Astronomer’s HR chief in spite of the intense attention. Her departure is probably more complicated, according to legal experts. Citing contracts and legal requirements, lawyer Nicole Brenecki pointed out that big businesses cannot fire someone based only on negative publicity.

William Cafaro, another employment lawyer, speculated that Cabot and Astronomer might be negotiating her exit. “You might see a picture of the HR chief in a public event with the CEO if you looked up ’cause for firing’ in the dictionary,” he said.

Co-founder of Astronomer DeJoy acknowledged the media craze, calling it “surreal,” and added that although the controversy garnered unwelcome attention, the company is still committed to providing data and AI solutions.

Many people are still watching to see if Cabot’s name will soon be removed from the company’s website, and the leadership and HR choices made by the company are still being closely examined.