Outlook Business Desk
A viral kiss-cam video from a Coldplay concert has landed Astronomer Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Andy Byron, and Chief People Officer (HR Head) Kristin Cabot in an awkward moment. The clip sparked backlash and raised questions about workplace relationships and leadership conduct, especially since both are reportedly married to different partners.
Soon after the kiss-cam video went viral, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Andy Byron resigned from Astronomer on July 19, 2025. The company's board accepted his resignation, highlighting that leadership standards and core values had not been met.
Unlike CEO Andy Byron who resigned, HR head Kristin Cabot was not removed. She was placed on administrative leave but remains on the company’s payroll—sparking debate over why she was treated differently despite being involved in the same incident.
While CEO Andy Byron resigned, Astronomer has not fired HR head Kristin Cabot. Reports suggest the company is proceeding cautiously, as firing her without completing the internal probe could raise contractual or procedural issues. Legal experts told multiple outlets that premature termination might risk policy violations or wrongful dismissal claims.
Legal experts told the New York Post that such matters are complex. “In a real-world big company, you can’t just fire someone because the headlines are ugly,” said one attorney.
Another legal expert said firing Kristin Cabot may be easy, but Astronomer could face complications negotiating an exit deal. “Like if you were to look for a picture of ’cause’ [for firing] in the dictionary, it would show a picture of the head of HR having a public affair with the CEO of the company,” the attorney told the publication, adding it’s hard to imagine her continuing in the same role.
Attorney Douglas Wigdor, founding partner of Wigdor LLP, suggested there may be undisclosed details behind the viral clip. “Maybe there’s more to the story from her... It’s a short video, so it’s hard to know what exactly is going on,” he told the New York Post, hinting at unseen context in Kristin Cabot’s continued role.
Meanwhile, Kristin Cabot has deactivated her LinkedIn profile and has not released any public statement about the viral video or her employment status.