Andy Byron, the former CEO of data company Astronomer, is reportedly exploring legal action against Coldplay after a kiss cam incident at one of the band’s concerts in Massachusetts went viral. The clip, which showed Byron and Astronomer’s HR head Kristin Cabot in what appeared to be an intimate exchange, sparked a massive controversy online and led to significant personal and professional fallout.
Emotional Distress and Breach of Privacy Claims
Sources told Page Six that Byron is considering suing the band and event organisers for emotional distress and breach of privacy. “He feels publicly embarrassed and believes the band turned him into an internet meme without his permission,” a source close to Byron said.
Attorney Camron Dowlatshahi explained that while Byron could attempt a defamation claim, it would be difficult to prove. “A defamation claim would require Byron to prove there was no romantic involvement between him and Cabot,” he said. This is complicated further by multiple clips from the concert showing the two kissing and hugging repeatedly throughout the evening.
Chris Martin’s On-Stage Joke Adds Fuel
The incident gained even more traction when Coldplay frontman Chris Martin joked about the situation on stage. “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just really shy,” Martin said, a remark that was caught on video and quickly spread online, adding to Byron’s public embarrassment.
While Coldplay has not issued an official statement, sources told Rob Shuter’s ShuterScoop that Martin “laughed off” the idea of being sued for a light-hearted concert moment. Legal experts also remain doubtful about Byron’s chances in court. “In a stadium packed with 70,000 people and cameras everywhere, it’s hard to argue privacy was violated,” one attorney said. “This looks more like damage control.”
Fallout for Byron and Cabot
Following the scandal, both Byron and Cabot resigned from their positions at Astronomer. Their personal lives have also faced upheaval. Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan, has reportedly left their home, removed his last name from her social media, and deactivated her accounts. Meanwhile, Cabot remains married to Privateer Rum CEO Andrew Cabot.
As of now, no formal legal filing against Coldplay has been confirmed.