Software firm Astronomer has initiated a formal internal investigation after its married CEO, Andy Byron, and the company’s head of HR, Kristin Cabot, were spotted looking intimate during a Coldplay concert — a moment that quickly ignited a storm of speculation online about a possible affair.

In a statement posted to LinkedIn, Astronomer reaffirmed its core values and expectations for its leadership team:

“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. The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.”

The incident became a viral sensation after video footage showed Byron and Cabot embracing as they appeared on the venue’s “kiss cam” during Coldplay’s Boston show on Wednesday night. As soon as they noticed the camera, both appeared flustered: Byron swiftly released his grip from around Cabot’s waist, while Cabot covered her face and they both awkwardly attempted to duck out of sight.

Even Coldplay frontman Chris Martin couldn’t resist commenting on the awkward scene, quipping to the audience:

“Oh, what… either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”

Astronomer, keen to address the rapidly spreading rumors, made clear that its CEO has not issued any statement about the situation, countering reports suggesting otherwise.

“Andy Byron has not put out any statement; reports saying otherwise are all incorrect,” the company clarified.

While Byron has remained silent publicly, Astronomer co-founder and former CEO Ry Walker weighed in on X (formerly Twitter), describing Byron as “professional” and noting that the news “comes as a big surprise” based on feedback he has heard from the team.

Byron, who has led Astronomer — a New York City-based data orchestration platform — since 2023, and Cabot, who joined the company around nine months ago, now face scrutiny as the investigation unfolds.

Meanwhile, social media exploded with speculation and humor, with users cracking jokes about the duo’s awkward retreat from the kiss cam spotlight:

“Lol if they’d just smiled for the camera this would never have gone so viral,” one user quipped.
“Their spouses would have left them anyway once they learned of their Coldplay fetish,” another joked.

Despite the jokes, the situation has cast a shadow over the company, as employees and outsiders alike await the board’s findings.