Ex-Astronomer CEO Andy Byron Eyes Lawsuit Against Coldplay Over Kiss-Cam Controversy
Former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron is reportedly contemplating legal action against Coldplay after a kiss-cam moment at the band’s Massachusetts concert sparked controversy. The kiss-cam captured Byron and Astronomer’s HR head, Kristin Cabot, in an affectionate moment, prompting them to hide their faces and turn away from the camera.
Following the incident, both Byron and Cabot, who are married to separate partners, were placed on administrative leave by Astronomer. On July 25, 2025, the company’s Board of Directors announced Byron’s resignation, with Cabot also stepping down. Sources indicate Byron’s personal life has been impacted, with his wife, Megan Kerrigan, reportedly moving out and removing his surname from her Facebook profile before deactivating her account. Cabot is married to Andrew Cabot, CEO of Privateer Rum.
Byron is allegedly planning to sue Coldplay and the event organizers, citing “emotional distress” and “invasion of privacy.” A source close to Byron told Page Six, “He didn’t consent to being filmed or publicly humiliated. He feels Coldplay turned him into a meme.”
Attorney Camron Dowlatshahi of MSD Lawyers commented on the potential lawsuit, suggesting a defamation claim could hinge on Chris Martin’s characterization of the pair as having an “affair.” Dowlatshahi noted that Byron would need to prove no affair occurred to substantiate a defamation case.
