Ex-Astronomer CEO and HR Executive Kiss-Cam Moment: Friends, Not an Affair, Source Says

A source close to Kristin Cabot says there was no romantic involvement with former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron during a kiss-cam moment at a Coldplay concert in Boston last July. The pair were seen embracing on the big screen, but the source described their relationship as a professional friendship and working rapport, not an affair. The source told People on Tuesday that Kristin and Andy had an excellent working relationship, a great friendship, and that there was no affair. It also noted that hugging a boss at a concert was inappropriate, and Cabot accepts full responsibility for it, but added that the scandal, the downfall, and the loss of the job—while real—were unfair.

During the July show, the moment drew widespread attention as fans watched the two exchange a public display that quickly went viral. Frontman Chris Martin joked on stage, and the moment became a talking point across social platforms. "Whoa, look at these two," Martin quipped into the mic before Byron ducked out of view, and Cabot, cognizant of the moment, hid her face in embarrassment. Martin later joked again, noting the moment drew a mix of amusement and speculation. The event prompted Astronomer’s Board of Directors to open an investigation, which led to both Byron and Cabot being placed on leave; Byron resigned the next day and Cabot followed suit less than a week later.

The source emphasized that Kristin has been mislabeled as a homewrecker, insisting the pair attended the show with a large group of friends and not as part of a company outing. The source described the relationship as a professional dynamic within the context of their jobs, and stressed that the personal consequences have extended beyond the individuals involved, affecting families who had no role in the incident. The report noted that Kristin received thousands of messages in her early days after the controversy, including death threats that she said were heartbreaking to witness. The source added that the family’s safety and well-being have been a central concern throughout the aftermath.

Earlier this month, Kristin Cabot’s estranged husband, Andrew Cabot, the CEO of Privateer Rum, disclosed that they had privately and amicably separated several weeks before the Coldplay concert and that Kristin filed for divorce in mid-August. People’s source echoed Andrew’s statement, saying the couple is amicably separated and moving forward toward divorce, with a focus on their children. The dynamic has drawn attention to the fragility of personal boundaries when professional relationships come under public scrutiny. The Cabots’ representation stressed the complexity of the situation and asked for understanding of the families involved.

Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan, has largely withdrawn from public view since the incident. She removed her married name from her Facebook profile and ultimately deleted the account, with reports suggesting she has been prioritizing her family as they navigate the aftermath. The Daily Mail reported that Kerrigan briefly left their Massachusetts home for a Maine residence amid crisis talks about next steps. The exact status of Byron and Kerrigan’s marriage remains unclear, though Communications surrounding the case indicate that both families are managing a difficult situation while seeking stability for their children.

The episode has underscored the sensitive line between leadership and personal life, particularly when public attention focuses on a corporate executive and a chief people officer. Astronomer, whose board commissioned the internal review, has not publicly confirmed any broader findings, and the parties involved have described the outcomes as a difficult, but necessary, step to move forward. The company continues to navigate the fallout and assess internal processes to prevent similar disruptions in the future.