Plot Twist! Astronomer CEO and Staffer Reportedly Weren’t Having an Affair After All

In July, the world went wild after Chris Martin seemingly accidentally exposed an affair between former Astronomer CEO Andy Bryon and his Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot. The two were seen wrapped in each other’s arms at a Coldplay concert, despite being married to other people. Now, a source has claimed that the two were never actually having an affair like many assumed.

“Kristin and Andy had an excellent working relationship, a great friendship. There was no affair,” a source told People in an article published on Tuesday, September 23. “It was inappropriate to be hugging your boss at a concert, and she accepts full responsibility for it. But the scandal, the downfall, the loss of the job — all of that is unfair.”

The source continued, “It is important to note how inappropriately mislabeled Kristin has been — as a homewrecker. It’s unfathomable to witness what has happened, and how devastating it can be, for not just individuals, but entire families. All I can think of is that this could happen to any of us at any time. I think all of the misinformation has been the most mind-blowing to witness.”

On July 17, a video of Byron, 51, and Cabot, 53, went viral on TikTok that was taken during Coldplay’s concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. When cameras at the concert panned to the two, Bryon was standing behind Cabot with his arms wrapped tightly around her. However, when they realized they were on the large screens in the stadium, Cabot quickly covered her face while Byron attempted to duck out of view.

“Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy,” Martin, 48, quipped from the stage.

Social media exploded and comments came flooding in.

“That is Andy Byron (CEO of Astronomer) and the woman is his CPO Kristin Cabot. Andy is married with two kids,” one person wrote in the comments section of the TikTok, while another added, “That is Andy Byron (CEO of Astronomer) and the woman is his CPO Kristin Cabot. Andy is married with two kids.”

Byron resigned from his position and Cabot left the company soon after. Astronomer released a statement via X following Byron’s resignation and said, “As stated previously, Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.”