In the aftermath of a cringe-worthy moment at a Coldplay concert that has now gone viral, Andy Byron, CEO of tech company Astronomer, has issued a public apology. The video capturing him and Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s Chief People Officer, in a moment of awkward embrace under the stadium’s “kiss cam” lit up social media—prompting scrutiny and widespread gossip.

Here’s what Byron said in his public statement:

He began by acknowledging the incident: “What was supposed to be a night of music and joy turned into a deeply personal mistake playing out on a very public stage.” He admitted the event caused disappointment, labeling it a “deeply personal mistake” and taking responsibility.

Byron addressed his loved ones directly:

“I want to sincerely apologize to my wife, my family, and the team at Astronomer. You deserve better from me as a partner, as a father, and as a leader.”

He continued by discussing the steps he’ll take moving forward:

“I’m taking time to reflect, to take accountability, and to figure out the next steps, personally and professionally. I ask for privacy as I navigate that process.”

Byron also raised concerns about the spike in public exposure:

“I also want to express how troubling it is that what should have been a private moment became public without my consent. I respect artists and entertainers, but I hope we can all think more deeply about the impact of turning someone else’s life into a spectacle.”

He closed with a Coldplay lyric from the song “Fix You”:

“Lights will guide you home, and ignite your bones, and I will try to fix you.”.

What led to the apology?
The incident occurred on July 16 during a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium. A kiss cam captured Byron and Cabot in what appeared to be an intimate embrace. Both immediately recoiled—Byron ducked, and Cabot covered her face—prompting Coldplay frontman Chris Martin to joke, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy”. The clip went viral, sparking speculation about the nature of their relationship and igniting internet memes and heated commentary.

Although the apology has been widely shared, Astronomer and Byron haven’t posted it through official company channels, leading some outlets to question its origin.

What’s next for Byron and Astronomer?
With this public apology, Byron aims to address the personal and professional fallout. His call for privacy and reflection may signal deeper internal actions—whether personal counseling, company policy reviews, or potential leadership changes remain to be seen. One thing is clear: the affair rumors, workplace ethics debate, and Coldplay spotlight have thrown Astronomer into an unflattering glare.

The coming days will determine whether this apology leads to meaningful change—or if the scandal continues to cast a shadow over both Byron and the company he leads.