The company whose CEO is at the centre of a kiss cam story that set the internet alight has issued a denial.
But in a bizarre twist, it’s not about the affair he’s suspected of having but a statement where he allegedly apologises to his wife, family and colleagues.
Andy Byron, who heads up $1.3billion software firm Astronomer, was shown on a kiss cam with his arms around Astronomer’s head of HR Kristin Cabot, at a Chris Martin concert in Boston on Wednesday.
When they realise they’re on camera they quickly disentangle, Byron ducks out of view while Cabot turns around before eventually moving out of the shot.
Martin jokingly remarks: ‘Oh look at these two. Either they are having an affair or they’re just really shy.’
The clip was shared online, went viral and internet sleuths quickly worked out who the pair were, claiming they are not a couple, and Byron is actually married to Megan Kerrigan Byron
Megan’s social media disappeared not long after.
Later, another clip was shared on X showing Martin looking mortified, before saying nervously to the audience: ‘I hope we didn’t do something bad…’
Yesterday a statement emerged claiming to be from Byron, but Astronomer has told TMZ it’s ‘not a real statement’.
The ‘fake’ statement read: ‘I want to acknowledge the moment that’s been circulating online, and the disappointment it’s caused.
‘What was supposed to be a night of music and joy turned into a deeply personal mistake play-out out on a very public stage. I want to sincerely apologize to my wife, my family, and my team at Astronomer. You deserve better from me as a partner, as a father, and as a leader.
‘This is not who I want to be or how I want to represent the company I helped build. I’m taking time to reflect, take accountability, and figure out the next steps, personally and professionally. I ask for privacy as I navigate that process.
‘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.
‘As a friend once sang: “Lights will guide you home, and ignite your bones, and I will try to fix you.”‘
For those not familiar with the band, the last line is from a Cold Play song.
Meanwhile, the woman who filmed the clip, Grace Springer, 28, from New Jersey, stands by sharing it online.
She 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.
‘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 from this and get a second chance at the happiness they deserve with their future still in front of them.’
Some online posters criticised the pair for their apparent affair, while many saw the humorous side.
One wrote: ‘Coldplay hasn’t made a single in years. Last night they made two.’
Another added: ‘What’s worse, finding out your spouse is cheating or that they’re a fan of Coldplay?’
Byron has been CEO of Astronomer since July 2023 Cabot joined the company as chief people officer just nine months ago.
Coldplay is on their record-breaking Music of the Spheres tour, which kicked off in 2022 and is due to end at London’s Wembley Stadium in September this year.
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