Astronomer, a rising software startup, has broken its silence following a viral video showing its CEO, Andy Byron, appearing intimately involved with the company’s chief human resources officer, Kristin Cabot, during a Coldplay concert in Boston.
The incident, caught by a Jumbotron camera and swiftly circulated online, captured Byron, who is reportedly married, embracing Cabot in the crowd. The video triggered widespread speculation and backlash, prompting calls for a response from the company, which took over 24 hours to issue a statement.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Astronomer said:
“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 company also sought to quash a series of online rumours, including claims that another employee, Alyssa Stoddard, had attended the concert, and that Byron had released an apology.
“Alyssa Stoddard was not at the event and no other employees were in the video. Andy Byron has not put out any statement, reports saying otherwise are all incorrect,” the company clarified.
Sources familiar with the situation told Axios that both Byron and Cabot were placed on immediate leave following the incident. Another insider revealed that the company’s delayed response stemmed in part from Byron’s ongoing resignation discussions and negotiations over his exit package.
Byron, who took the helm at Astronomer in 2023, had praised Cabot’s hiring in 2024, describing her as instrumental to the company’s growth.
“Kristin’s exceptional leadership and deep expertise in talent management, employee engagement and scaling people strategies will be critical as we continue our rapid trajectory,” he said in a previous company statement.
Cabot, in the same announcement, spoke warmly of Byron and the company leadership.
“I was energised in my conversations with Andy and the Astronomer leadership team about the opportunities that exist here.”
The scandal has ignited conversations around workplace ethics, executive accountability, and the impact of personal conduct on professional reputations particularly in the tech industry where startup culture often blurs formal boundaries.
As the board’s investigation proceeds, Astronomer has promised to provide further updates “very shortly.”
