Astronomer’s CEO Andy Byron resigned following a viral Kiss Cam incident at a Coldplay concert on July 16, 2025. During the event, Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot were caught on the jumbotron sharing an intimate moment, which sparked widespread speculation of an affair. Both executives had already been placed on leave amid an internal investigation prior to the video going public. The incident quickly became a social media sensation, drawing intense public scrutiny.

In response, Astronomer released official statements reaffirming their commitment to the company’s values and ethical leadership. The board of directors accepted Byron’s resignation and appointed co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy as interim CEO. The company emphasized that leaders are held to high standards of conduct and accountability, which they felt were not met in this case. Meanwhile, the future of Kristin Cabot within the organization remains unclear, as no further details about her status have been provided.

Rumors circulated about other employees being involved, but Astronomer clarified that no other staff were present at the concert and denied involvement of an employee named Alyssa Stoddard. Additionally, a fake apology attributed to Byron surfaced online from an imposter account but was quickly debunked and removed. The company continues to manage the fallout carefully amid ongoing investigations.

Public reaction has been mixed, with many finding the company’s serious response to what appeared to be a personal moment somewhat excessive. Some social media users questioned whether the resignation was warranted, while others acknowledged the importance of maintaining professional standards in leadership roles. Despite the controversy, Astronomer maintains that its core operations and product development remain unaffected.

Moving forward, Astronomer is conducting a formal investigation and searching for a permanent CEO to replace Byron. The company stresses its commitment to preserving its culture and upholding accountability while navigating the leadership transition. Observers continue to watch how the situation will impact Astronomer’s reputation and business stability in the coming months.