A new report has debunked widespread rumors that former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and executive Kristin Cabot were romantically involved when they were filmed together at a Coldplay concert in July.
Viral Concert Moment Sparks Rumors
On July 16, Byron and Cabot attended a Coldplay show at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts with friends. Cameras captured Byron hugging Cabot during the event, and when the image hit the Jumbotron, Byron ducked to the ground as Cabot turned her face away. The clip quickly spread across social media, prompting speculation of an affair.
A spokesperson for People reported Tuesday that, according to a source close to Cabot, “Kristin and Andy had an excellent working relationship, a great friendship. There was no affair. It was inappropriate to be hugging your boss at a concert, and she accepts full responsibility for it. But the scandal, the downfall, the loss of the job — all of that is unfair.”
Career Fallout
After the video went viral, both Byron and Cabot resigned from their positions at Astronomer. On July 19, the company confirmed Byron’s resignation, stating that its leaders are expected to “set the standard in both conduct and accountability.” Cabot resigned days later, on July 24.
According to Us Weekly, Astronomer’s board has appointed cofounder Pete DeJoy as interim CEO while a search for a permanent replacement continues.
Personal Lives Under Scrutiny
Cabot filed for divorce from her husband, Andrew Cabot, on August 13. A spokesperson for Andrew said the couple had been “privately and amicably separated several weeks before the Coldplay concert” and that their decision to divorce was already underway.
The source told People that the intense public speculation has been “devastating” for both families. “These are real people and real families. The way people have taken a lot of enjoyment at their expense, it’s hard to see,” the insider said.
Moving Forward
Cabot is now focusing on raising her children and maintaining her privacy. Friends describe her as “one of the hardest working women” they know, confident she will recover from the public scrutiny.
The report underscores how quickly viral moments can lead to lasting personal and professional consequences, even when rumors are unfounded.