Astronomer’s HR chief resigns after viral Coldplay ‘kiss cam’ video
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Astronomer CEO Andy Byron was reportedly seen in kiss cam footage with Ms Kristin Cabot, the firm’s HR chief, locked in an embrace during a July 16 Coldplay concert in Boston.
PHOTOS: AFP, INSTAAGRAACE/TIKTOK
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A female executive of an American tech company resigned on July 25 after she was caught on a big screen at a Coldplay concert embracing the company’s chief executive, reported the BBC.
Footage of the moment, which took place on July 16, quickly went viral on social media, sparking the scandal dubbed as “Coldplaygate”
Astronomer’s chief people officer Kristin Cabot’s resignation comes shortly after chief executive Andy Byron tendered his resignation
In a statement released on social media on July 18, Astronomer did not reference the concert or the individuals involved, but said it had launched a formal investigation.
“Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability,” the company said.
“The board of directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.”
During the British rock group’s concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on July 16, a jumbotron zoomed in on a man and a woman embracing in the stands. But the canoodling pair appeared shocked and horrified when they spotted themselves on the big screen, with the man ducking out of the frame and the woman hiding her face.
“Uh-oh, what? Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy,” said Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
Internet sleuths soon identified the couple as Mr Byron, the now former chief executive, and Ms Cabot, Astronomer’s chief people officer. Further details about their personal relationships also surfaced.
The video has garnered millions of views on TikTok and other social media platforms, giving rise to memes discussing everything from the folly of having an affair at a Coldplay concert to the hypocrisy of an HR representative seemingly caught in a workplace relationship.
