Astronomer CEO Steps Down Following Viral Concert Controversy

Andy Byron, CEO of U.S.-based technology firm Astronomer, has stepped down from his position following a viral video from a Coldplay concert that sparked widespread discussion on social media. The resignation was confirmed on Saturday, July 19, according to a report by Reuters.

In a statement shared on professional social media platform LinkedIn, Astronomer said, “We expect a standard of conduct and accountability from our senior leadership, which was not met in this case.”

The incident originated last Wednesday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, during a Coldplay concert. It is customary at such events for organizers to direct cameras at couples in the audience, often prompting playful or affectionate reactions. However, in this case, a couple's hurried attempt to avoid the camera drew attention.

In the stadium’s jumbo screen footage, the couple is seen embracing. When their faces appeared before thousands of concertgoers, they quickly ducked in an apparent attempt to hide.

According to U.S. media outlets and online speculation, the man in the video was Andy Byron, and the woman was identified as Astronomer's Head of Human Resources, Christine Cabot.

Two days after the footage went viral, Astronomer issued a statement indicating that the matter was under internal investigation. The focus of the inquiry was to determine whether the couple’s reaction was simply an attempt to avoid public attention or if their behavior indicated a breach of legal or organizational protocols.

It is worth noting that many companies discourage romantic relationships between high-ranking executives, particularly when no legal marital relationship exists, to avoid any perception of favoritism that may compromise institutional interests.

On Friday, Astronomer announced via its official X platform that Byron had been placed on leave. The following day, news of his resignation was made public.

The Saturday statement read, “Andy Byron has voluntarily submitted his resignation from the role of CEO, which the Board of Directors has accepted.” Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy has since taken over as interim CEO.

No formal statement has yet been made regarding any action involving Christine Cabot.