Tech company Astronomer has released a statement after its CEO was filmed reacting awkwardly after being caught on camera appearing to be embracing a co-worker at a recent Coldplay concert.
CEO Andy Byron was captured on the band's "kiss cam" during their Wednesday concert in Massachusetts, standing behind the company's HR chief Kristin Cabot, with his arms wrapped around her waist.
As frontman Chris Martin said into the microphone: "Oh, look at these two," Cabot was seen looking shocked and covering her face, while Byron ducked down and disappeared out of shot.
Cabot then turned her back to the camera as Martin joked: "Alright, come on - you're ok. Ok, what? Either they're having an affair, or they're just very shy."
The footage quickly went viral after it was discovered that Cabot and Byron are both married to other people, however, the nature of their personal relationship remains unconfirmed.
A statement soon emerged which appeared to show Byron apologizing for the clip, finishing with a Coldplay lyric, however, Astronomer has confirmed the statement is fake.
The fake statement can be seen below:
Astronomer has since issued a response to the situation - and the statement - on LinkedIn, writing: "Andy Byron has not put out any statement, reports saying otherwise are all incorrect."
Astronomer's Director of Communications, Taylor Jones, has also responded to circulating fake statements, telling Men's Journal: "Neither statement is real. These were not authored or approved by Andy or anyone at Astronomer."
The company has also announced: "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."
"Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy is currently serving as interim CEO given Andy Byron has been placed on leave," the company announced in an additional statement.
Byron and Cabot have yet to address the situation publicly, as of this writing.