Astronomer CEO Andy Byron placed on leave after viral Coldplay Concert incident

Andy Byron, the Chief Executive Officer of tech company Astronomer, has been placed on leave following a viral video incident involving a couple at a Coldplay concert that sparked widespread speculation and public scrutiny.

The company confirmed that co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy has assumed the role of interim CEO pending further developments. A formal investigation into the matter has been launched.

The controversy erupted after a video circulated online showing a man and woman, whose identities remain unconfirmed, being spotlighted on the “kiss cam” during Coldplay’s performance at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. As the couple attempted to hide their faces, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin made a light-hearted comment, suggesting, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”

Read Also: Andy Byron’s wife removes last name amid viral cheating scandal

The moment quickly gained traction on social media, prompting a wave of speculation about the individuals involved. In response to the attention, the company issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to professional conduct and accountability at all leadership levels. It stated that the investigation would clarify all relevant issues surrounding the incident.

Further developments during the concert included Martin appearing to express concern about the fallout from his on-stage joke, telling the audience, “I hope we didn’t do something bad.”

Although the company has not confirmed the identities of those in the video, it clarified that other employees were not involved and dismissed reports suggesting otherwise. Sources close to the company indicated that internal deliberations and negotiations over Byron’s exit package contributed to delays in the public response.

Astronomer’s board emphasized that more details would be disclosed as the investigation progresses.

Company confirms investigation into CEO’s viral Coldplay Concert video

U.S.-based tech company Astronomer has confirmed it has launched a formal investigation after a video taken at a recent Coldplay concert went viral, sparking widespread speculation about the conduct of the company’s CEO, Andy Byron.

The controversy began when concertgoers recorded a couple spotted on the big screen during Coldplay’s performance. Their reaction quickly went viral, especially after lead singer Chris Martin jokingly commented on stage that the pair might be having an “affair.” The remark, though made in jest, fueled online speculation and triggered deeper scrutiny as users attempted to identify the individuals involved.

On Friday, July 18, Astronomer addressed the situation with a statement shared on the company’s LinkedIn page, saying:

“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.”

Read Also: Things to know about Andy Byron, the astronomer CEO caught in viral Coldplay Concert moment

The statement further confirmed that the Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation and promised that more details would be released soon. While the company did not name anyone seen in the viral footage, it made clear that:

“The CEO has not issued any public statement, and reports claiming that other employees were present at the event or appeared in the video are incorrect.”

The incident has drawn wide attention on social media, with some users alleging that the individuals in the video may have a personal connection to top-level executives at the company. As of now, these claims remain unverified.

This unfolding situation highlights the growing impact of social media virality on corporate governance and personal reputations, especially when private moments become public spectacle.

Astronomer is a software company known for developing tools that support data orchestration using Apache Airflow.

WNBA star Paige Bueckers openly acknowledges relationship with Azzi Fudd

Paige Bueckers, standout rookie for the Dallas Wings, has confirmed her relationship with fellow basketball star Azzi Fudd, putting to rest months of speculation surrounding their close bond.

The revelation came during the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, where Bueckers took part in several media appearances. One standout moment occurred in an interview with WAG Talk, where the former UConn guard was quizzed on facts about Fudd, who was affectionately referred to as her “D1 girlfriend.”

Bueckers answered questions with ease, identifying the high school Fudd attended, her athletic accomplishments, and even the team that drafted Fudd’s mother, Katie Smrcka-Duffy Fudd. The moment that confirmed what fans had long suspected came when Bueckers was asked to reveal who her girlfriend was. Smiling, she simply responded: “Azzi Fudd.”

Read Also: Andy Byron’s wife removes last name amid viral cheating scandal

Although Bueckers did not disclose how long the pair have been in a relationship, she spoke fondly of Fudd. When asked who she would trust to take a last-second shot if her life were on the line, she answered without hesitation: “Azzi Fudd.”

Fudd, who played alongside Bueckers at UConn, had a strong 2024–25 season, averaging 13.6 points, 2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. She delivered a standout performance in the national championship game, scoring 24 points to help the Huskies clinch the title against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Their connection has also extended off the court. Earlier in July, Bueckers revealed that Fudd often helps choose her game sneakers, although she noted that Nike would handle her footwear for the All-Star Game.

Bueckers has had a stellar debut season in the WNBA, leading all rookies in scoring (18.4 points per game), assists (5.5), and steals (1.7). She was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and has quickly become one of the league’s brightest young stars.

Their relationship marks a high-profile moment for representation in women’s sports, with fans across the country showing support for the couple.

Astronomer CEO Andy Byron apology goes viral after Coldplay Concert scandal

A Coldplay concert turned into an internet spectacle after Astronomer CEO Andy Byron was allegedly caught in a compromising moment with his company’s HR head, Kristin Cabot — a scene that has since gone viral and sparked massive online outrage.

The incident occurred during the band’s recent tour stop at Gillette Stadium in Boston, where the venue’s kiss-cam landed on Byron and Cabot, who were seen embracing on a balcony. As frontman Chris Martin playfully commented on the pair, the two appeared visibly startled, quickly turning away from the camera in an attempt to hide.

Martin quipped, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy,” a comment that quickly took on a life of its own as the internet began investigating the pair’s identities.

It didn’t take long before online users identified the man as Andy Byron, the married CEO of Astronomer — a data orchestration software company — and the woman as Kristin Cabot, his colleague and the company’s Chief People Officer. Both Byron and Cabot are reportedly married to other people.

What began as a seemingly awkward concert moment escalated into a scandal when a statement, allegedly from Byron, began circulating on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.

In the unverified but widely shared note, Byron appeared to acknowledge wrongdoing, writing:

“I sincerely apologise to my wife, my children, and my colleagues. You deserve better from me as a partner, as a father, and as a leader.”

Read Also: Andy Byron’s wife removes last name amid viral cheating scandal

The statement continued with tones of accountability and remorse: “A personal mistake has become a public spectacle. I accept full responsibility and ask for privacy for my family during this time.”

It ended with a striking reference to Coldplay lyrics: “Lights will guide you home, and ignite your bones, and I will try to fix you.”

While neither Byron nor Cabot have officially confirmed or denied the authenticity of the statement or addressed the incident publicly, the fallout continues to grow. Online commentators have been quick to criticize what they see as a serious lapse in professional ethics, especially given the power dynamics involved in a CEO-HR relationship.

Some users expressed support for Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, an educator and mother of two. Reports claim she has since removed Byron’s surname from her social media accounts following the video’s release.

Astronomer has not issued any public comment regarding the incident as of the time of this report.

The Coldplay kiss-cam moment, meant to spotlight sweet gestures between concertgoers, has instead spotlighted the personal lives of two tech executives — and raised questions about workplace boundaries, public accountability, and the limits of privacy in a viral world.

Things to know about Andy Byron, the astronomer CEO caught in viral Coldplay Concert moment

A romantic moment turned viral scandal when a couple was caught cuddling on the kiss-cam at a Coldplay concert, only for internet sleuths to identify the man as Andy Byron, the married CEO of tech firm Astronomer.

As the video sparked affair rumors and online backlash, here’s what we know about the man at the center of the drama.

1. He’s the CEO of Astronomer, a Data Software Company

Andy Byron currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Astronomer, a leading data orchestration platform built around Apache Airflow. He’s been in this role for over two years, leading the company through what employees have called a “transformative” period.

2. His Viral Moment Happened at a Coldplay Concert

On July 16, 2025, Andy Byron and a woman were caught on the kiss-cam during a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium in Boston. As frontman Chris Martin joked about the couple possibly “having an affair” after they ducked the camera, the clip went viral — and online detectives quickly identified the man as Andy.

3. He’s Married With Two Kids

Andy is married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, an educator. The couple live in New York and share two children. However, following the Coldplay incident, it was reported that Megan removed her last name from her Facebook profile — sparking more speculation.

4. The Woman at the Concert Wasn’t His Wife

The woman seen with Andy wasn’t Megan — she’s believed to be Kristin Cabot, the Chief People Officer at Astronomer. Their attempts to hide from the camera only fueled the controversy.

Read Also: Andy Byron’s wife removes last name amid viral cheating scandal

5. Kristin Cabot is Also from the Tech Industry

Kristin, a Boston native, holds a degree in Political Science from Gettysburg College. She joined Astronomer in November 2024, and described the company’s direction under Andy as “exciting and transformative.” She was previously married but filed for divorce in 2018.

6. His Career Includes a Stint at Lacework

Before Astronomer, Andy held an executive role at Lacework, a cloud security firm based in Mountain View, California. His experience spans leadership roles in several high-growth tech firms.

7. He’s Reportedly Worth Tens of Millions

Andy Byron’s estimated net worth is between $20 million and $70 million, largely tied to his stake in Astronomer and prior earnings in the tech industry.

8. The Scandal Could Impact His Professional Standing

Given the viral nature of the incident, and the fact that both individuals work at the same company, there’s growing speculation about HR implications and potential fallout — both at home and in the workplace.

Coldplay fan who filmed viral CEO affair moment finally opens up, defends action

The Coldplay fan behind the viral kiss cam video that exposed Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and his HR chief Kristin Cabot in a compromising moment has come forward, sharing her side of the story as the internet continues to reel from the scandal.

Grace Springer, 28, from New Jersey, captured the now-infamous footage during Coldplay’s concert at Gillette Stadium in Boston on Wednesday night. What began as a fun night out for a die-hard fan quickly turned into an online firestorm after she shared the video on TikTok.

“I had no idea who the couple was. Just thought I caught an interesting reaction to the kiss cam and decided to post it,” Grace told The U.S. Sun. “A part of me feels bad for turning these people’s lives upside down, but, play stupid games… win stupid prizes.”

Grace added that although the situation has sparked global attention, she hopes the video helps bring clarity to those affected. “I hope their partners can heal from this and get a second chance at the happiness they deserve,” she said. “Maybe my video was a blessing in disguise.”

Grace had traveled with friends to Boston for the concert and said the kiss cam moment was the main topic of conversation after the show. “It was definitely a hot topic, but no one knew who they were,” she said. That quickly changed after the video began gaining traction online.

“I posted it late last night before bed and it had a couple thousand views. I woke up to seven million. Now it’s over 30 million,” she revealed. As of Friday morning, the clip had racked up more than 46 million views and nearly 5 million likes.

The video shows CEO Andy Byron, who has been married and leads the $1.3 billion software firm Astronomer, embracing Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot as Coldplay frontman Chris Martin directed the kiss cam toward them. Martin, noticing the interaction, quipped, “Oh look at these two,” before Byron abruptly dropped his arms and ducked behind a barrier, while Cabot turned away and covered her face.

Read Also: Andy Byron’s wife removes last name amid viral cheating scandal

Audience laughter erupted when Martin added, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy.” Byron could be seen mouthing “f hell, it’s me” as he realized they were on the giant screen.

The backlash was immediate, with social media users criticizing the pair for their apparent indiscretion. Despite no public confirmation, many assumed infidelity, especially as both executives are—or were—believed to be married. Online commenters didn’t hold back, with one saying, “Sorry for the wife but glad they’re being exposed and embarrassed,” and another writing, “They are both incredibly stupid. Why would you go to a concert of all places if you are having an affair?”

Adding to the irony, Cabot’s LinkedIn profile highlights her ability to “win trust with employees of all levels,” while Byron had publicly praised her “exceptional leadership and deep expertise” in talent management. In return, Cabot described her interactions with Byron and the leadership team as “energising.”

Though speculation swirled that the moment might have been staged, insiders have confirmed it was entirely real and unscripted. Amid the fallout, fake apology statements have circulated online, but no official comment has been made by either party or the company.

The viral clip has not only lit up social media but also raised fresh questions about workplace relationships and public accountability—putting a spotlight on two high-level executives who found themselves exposed under the most unlikely of circumstances.

Netflix beats earnings expectations as revenue surges 16% in Q2

Netflix reported stronger-than-expected earnings on Thursday, with second-quarter revenue climbing 16% year over year to $11.08 billion, surpassing analysts’ estimates.

The streaming giant posted earnings per share of $7.19, beating the $7.08 expected by analysts polled by LSEG. Net income rose to $3.1 billion, up from $2.1 billion in the same quarter last year, while operating cash flow hit $2.4 billion—an 84% increase year over year. Free cash flow also jumped by 91%, reaching $2.3 billion.

Netflix raised its full-year revenue forecast to between $44.8 billion and $45.2 billion, citing favorable currency exchange rates, strong subscriber growth, and increased ad revenue. The previous forecast range was between $43.5 billion and $44.5 billion. The company also increased its free cash-flow projection for 2025 to $8–$8.5 billion, up from a prior target of around $8 billion.

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This quarter marked the second time Netflix has not provided a quarterly update on its subscription numbers. Instead, the company emphasized that revenue growth was driven by a larger subscriber base, higher pricing, and expanding advertising income.

Operating margin for Q2 stood at 34.1%, up nearly 3 percentage points from the previous quarter and 7 points year over year. However, Netflix warned that margins in the second half of the year are expected to be lower due to increased content costs and marketing spend tied to a busy release schedule.

Despite the strong financials, Netflix shares dipped about 1% in after-hours trading. The company has a packed lineup ahead, including the highly anticipated second season of Wednesday, the Stranger Things finale, Happy Gilmore 2, and Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.

CBS cancels Stephen Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’

In a stunning announcement, CBS has revealed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end in May 2026—a move coming just days after Colbert criticized a controversial settlement involving former President Donald Trump and CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global.

Colbert, the long-time host and political satirist, broke the news during Thursday night’s broadcast, stating, “I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away,” drawing boos from the studio audience.

While CBS has claimed the cancellation is “purely a financial decision”, many are pointing to the timing as suspicious. Earlier this week, Colbert openly slammed Paramount’s decision to settle a $16 million lawsuit filed by Trump over a 2024 60 Minutes interview with then-Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Colbert Called Settlement a “Bribe”

On Monday’s show, Colbert didn’t hold back. He labeled the payout to Trump as a “big fat bribe”, mocking the network’s decision in a scathing monologue.

“I don’t know if anything will repair my trust in this company,” he said, before joking, “but $16 million would help.”

Read Also: Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency: What you should know about the condition

The lawsuit alleged that CBS intentionally edited the interview to present Harris in a more favorable light. While media watchdogs have dismissed the lawsuit as frivolous and politically motivated, the large payout has drawn criticism for potentially emboldening Trump’s attacks on the press.

Critics Say Cancellation Raises Red Flags

Several press freedom groups and Democratic lawmakers expressed alarm, accusing Paramount of caving to political pressure. Some even speculated that the settlement—and Colbert’s subsequent show cancellation—may be tied to Paramount’s ongoing efforts to secure government approval for its merger with Skydance Media.

The timing has fueled concerns about corporate media’s independence, especially with the 2026 election season drawing closer.

End of an Era

The Late Show has been a late-night staple since 1993. Colbert took the reins in 2015, succeeding David Letterman, and quickly became a leading voice in political comedy—particularly for left-leaning audiences.

Despite its critical acclaim and solid ratings, the show will come to a close without a replacement, according to Colbert. CBS has not announced any plans for a successor program.

Wife of Astronomer CEO deletes Facebook after alleged cheating video at Coldplay Concert goes viral

The wife of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron has deleted her Facebook account following a viral video that appeared to capture her husband in an intimate moment with a top executive at his company during a Coldplay concert.

Megan Kerrigan Byron took swift action on social media after the footage sparked widespread backlash. Page Six reports that Megan initially removed her last name from her Facebook profile before permanently deactivating the account, which had previously featured personal and family photos.

The decision came shortly after online users flooded her page with comments reacting to the viral clip of her husband, Andy Byron, seen with Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s Chief Human Resources Officer, at a Coldplay concert held Wednesday night at Gillette Stadium in Boston.

In the now-infamous video shared on TikTok, the pair were caught on the venue’s jumbotron, swaying closely and embracing. As the camera zoomed in, Cabot quickly turned around while Byron appeared to duck out of frame. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, narrating the moment from the stage, remarked, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy,” drawing loud reactions from the crowd.

The footage quickly went viral, amassing millions of views on social media and igniting discussions about workplace relationships and public accountability. Many users expressed sympathy for Megan while slamming the alleged affair. One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, “Feel so bad for his wife and at the same time so happy they were humiliated like that in front of thousands.”

Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot both hold top positions at Astronomer, an AI and data-focused company valued at $1.2 billion. Byron joined the firm in July 2023, while Cabot, a veteran HR professional with over two decades of experience, came on board in November 2024. A press release at the time praised Cabot’s “exceptional leadership.”

Neither Byron nor Cabot has issued a public statement regarding the incident, and attempts to reach the CEO for comment have so far been unsuccessful.

Astronomer has not responded to requests for clarification, and the scandal continues to generate intense interest online.

Andy Byron’s wife removes last name amid viral cheating scandal

The wife of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron has reportedly taken a bold step following viral allegations of infidelity involving her husband and a top executive at his company.

Megan Kerrigan Byron, wife of the tech executive, was said to have removed her last name from her Facebook profile before deleting the account entirely. The move comes in the wake of a social media storm sparked by footage of her husband hugging Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s Chief People Officer, during a Coldplay concert.

The incident, which took place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, was captured on a jumbotron and quickly went viral. The video shows Byron wrapping his arms around Cabot from behind, only for the pair to abruptly separate after realizing they were being broadcast to the crowd.

Read Also: CBS cancels Stephen Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’

In a now widely shared clip that has amassed over 45 million views on TikTok alone, Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin can be heard commenting, “Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy,” drawing laughter from concertgoers and sparking widespread speculation online.

Following the viral exposure, Megan Byron’s Facebook account was reportedly flooded with comments related to the incident, prompting her to deactivate the account. Meanwhile, Andy Byron appears to have deleted his LinkedIn profile, which now returns an error message.

Despite the growing attention, none of the individuals involved have issued a public statement. A supposed apology post attributed to Byron circulated online, but Astronomer confirmed it was fake.

Cabot, who joined Astronomer in November 2024, was previously married to Kenneth Thornby. Their divorce was reportedly finalized in 2022. Byron became CEO of the company in July 2023.

Astronomer, a data infrastructure startup, reached unicorn status in 2022 after being valued at over $1 billion.

The controversy continues to unfold, with both the tech and social media communities watching closely for further developments.