Astronomer has launched an investigation following the viral video that appeared to show CEO Andy Byron embracing a colleague at a Coldplay concert.
During Wednesday's Coldplay performance at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, the band got to the usual part of their show where they put audience members on the kisscam.
Nothing was out of the ordinary until the camera settled on Andy Byron and Astronomer's head of HR, Kristin Cabot.
Instead of the usual nerves followed by a kiss, Andy appeared startled by being on the big screen and immediately stopped embracing his colleague and ducked out of shot.
Kristin hid her face from the camera by turning around.
Confused by the moment, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin said: "Oh, what? Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy."
The footage has spread like wildfire and is all over social media, and now the company the pair work for has been forced to act.
Astronomer took to LinkedIn on Friday, July 18, confirming a formal internal review has begun. Their message read: “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.”
They continued: “The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.”
In a statement to PEOPLE, the company clarified that its CEO has not released any personal comments and that rumors suggesting other employees were captured on camera are false.
Andy has been placed on leave while Astronomer carries out its investigation.
Neither Andy nor Kristin has publicly commented on the incident, and an apology letter supposedly from Andy was debunked as fake.
Byron, who became CEO in July 2023, recently praised Cabot—who joined in November 2023—as a “proven leader” with “exceptional leadership and deep expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and scaling people strategies.”
Cabot herself expressed excitement on LinkedIn, speaking of being “energised in my conversations with Andy and the Astronomer leadership team.”
Grace Springer, who originally shared the footage, told The U.S. Sun: “I had no idea who the couple was. Just thought I caught an interesting reaction to the kiss cam and decided to post it.”
While she confessed feeling remorse, she also noted: “A part of me feels bad for turning these people’s lives upside down, but, play stupid games… win stupid prizes. I hope their partners can heal … I hope, for them, my video was a blessing in disguise.”