July 16 — Source denies affair after Coldplay concert jumbotron video involving Astronomer executives

A source close to Astronomer’s then–Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot says “there was no affair” following a viral Coldplay concert video that preceded the resignations of CEO Andy Byron and Cabot.

On July 16, Byron, 51, and Cabot, 53, were shown with their arms around each other when a concert jumbotron focused on them; caught off guard, they hid their faces and ducked out of view. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin then remarked, “Woah, look at these two. They’re either having an affair or they’re just very shy.” The clip spread online.

Byron stepped down on July 19, and Cabot left her position as head of HR a few days afterward. People magazine reported that a source close to Cabot said the viral incident “was not entirely what it seemed.” The source explained, “[Kristin Cabot] and [Andy Byron] had an excellent working relationship, a great friendship. There was no affair.” They added, “It was inappropriate to be hugging your boss at a concert, and she accepts full responsibility for it. The scandal, the fallout, and the loss of her position are all undeserved.

The source said Cabot—who is married to Andrew Cabot, head of Privateer Rum—was at the concert with a group of friends and has been mislabeled as a “homewrecker.” The source also said that by the night of the event Cabot and her husband were already separated; she filed for divorce on Aug. 13, with both parties agreeing to keep the proceedings private, People reported.

A source stressed to People that the situation affects “real people and real families,” adding, “The way people have taken a lot of enjoyment at their expense, it’s hard to see.”

A source said Cabot has focused on her family since the video circulated online and, in the days that followed, was hit with nearly 900 threatening calls. The person also described in-person harassment: “Kristin had people surrounding her car while she picked up her son from work—adults laughing, pointing, taking photos.” Losing her astronomer position after only seven months was another major blow, the source added.

According to the source speaking to People, Cabot has strong backing from family and friends who understand her and will help her through this, though the process won’t be quick.