A viral video from a Coldplay concert has resulted in US tech company Astronomer placing its CEO, Andy Byron, on leave amid widespread speculation and controversy.
The clip, captured on the giant screen during the band’s Boston performance Wednesday night, showed a man and woman embracing as they swayed to the music. When their faces appeared onscreen, they quickly ducked away, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin added fuel to the moment, joking, “Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy.” That remark, coupled with the couple's reaction, sparked intense online speculation, particularly after rumours emerged that both were high-ranking Astronomer executives.
Within 48 hours, the video had gone viral on TikTok, transformed into memes, and picked up by mainstream media. Online users identified the pair as CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot — though neither has confirmed their presence in the video, and the BBC has been unable to independently verify the identities.
On Friday, Astronomer confirmed Byron had been placed on leave, stating on X: “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.”
Co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy has been named interim CEO. The company emphasized that no other employees appeared in the video and that Byron had not issued a personal statement, countering several fake ones circulating online.
Astronomer was founded to help businesses harness real-time data, but it now finds itself at the centre of an internet-fueled scandal. The incident has sparked broader conversations about workplace relationships, privacy, and public accountability in the digital age.
Source: BBC
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