Why HR exec Kristin Cabot hasn’t been fired after Coldplay cheating scandal

Coldplay Concert Scandal Sparks Leadership Shakeup at Astronomer, HR Chief’s Status Unclear

A viral incident at a Coldplay concert has ignited a major leadership crisis at U.S.-based data company Astronomer, prompting the resignation of CEO Andy Byron and raising serious questions about the future of HR executive Kristin Cabot, who remains on leave amid public scrutiny and internal fallout.

The controversy erupted after footage surfaced online allegedly showing Byron and Cabot in an intimate moment during the concert. The clip quickly went viral, fueling widespread speculation about an affair between the two senior executives—an especially troubling scenario given Cabot’s position as head of human resources, responsible for enforcing company policies on ethics and conduct.

Shortly after the incident gained attention, Andy Byron resigned from his role as CEO. Astronomer confirmed his departure with a formal announcement on LinkedIn, stating that co-founder Pete DeJoy would step in as interim CEO. In the post, the company wrote:

“While awareness of our company may have changed overnight, our product and commitment to customers remain.”

Despite Byron’s swift exit, Kristin Cabot is still officially listed as the HR chief on Astronomer’s company website, a detail that has not gone unnoticed by observers and employees. Her continued presence on the leadership page has sparked intense speculation about her employment status and whether disciplinary action is being considered—or quietly negotiated.

Legal experts say such situations are not always straightforward. Employment attorney Nicole Brenecki explained that executive-level terminations often require thorough legal reviews and depend heavily on the terms of employment contracts.

“In a big company, you can’t just fire someone because the headlines are ugly,” Brenecki said, noting that misconduct must meet specific legal thresholds.

Another attorney, William Cafaro, offered a more direct view:

“If you were to look up ‘cause’ for firing, it might be a photo of the head of HR having a public affair with the CEO.”
He suggested that Cabot’s departure, if it’s coming, is likely being handled through confidential negotiations to avoid legal entanglements or reputational damage.

The timing has proven both disastrous and oddly fortuitous for Astronomer. Though the scandal threatened to undermine its leadership credibility, it has also brought unprecedented public attention to the company. In a candid statement, interim CEO Pete DeJoy acknowledged the viral moment’s unintended consequence:

“While I wouldn’t have wished for it to happen like this, Astronomer is now a household name.”

Kristin Cabot, who joined the company in November 2024, has not commented publicly. Her future at Astronomer remains uncertain, and the company has declined to issue further updates on her status.

As the story continues to unfold, the situation serves as a cautionary tale about personal boundaries, leadership accountability, and how quickly a company’s public image can shift in the era of viral media.