The Philadelphia Phillies have humorously joined in the viral “kiss cam” controversy stemming from a recent Coldplay concert. On July 18, 2023, footage surfaced of the team’s mascots reenacting a moment involving Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot during a game against the Los Angeles Angels.
The original incident occurred when Byron and Cabot were caught on the big screen at the Coldplay performance. They were seen embracing, but upon realizing they were being filmed, they quickly separated. Cabot attempted to hide her face while Byron ducked down, prompting Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, to comment, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy. Holy s***. I hope we didn’t do something bad.”
The Phillies took this moment and added their own twist. As their mascots mimicked the awkward scene, fans in the stadium erupted in laughter. A commentator echoed Martin’s earlier remarks, adding an air of levity to the unfolding drama. The Phillies shared the comedic reenactment on their official X account, captioning it, “Local CEO caught CHEATING at Phillies game?!”
The fallout from the Coldplay concert has been significant for Byron. Following the viral footage, Astronomer confirmed that he has been placed on leave. The company announced that Pete DeJoy, co-founder and Chief Product Officer, will serve as interim CEO during this transition.
In a statement to Us Weekly, Astronomer affirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct. The company also announced that a formal investigation has been initiated into the incident. “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability,” the statement read.
The unexpected turn of events surrounding Byron and Cabot has captured widespread attention, leading to a flurry of memes and discussions across social media platforms. While the Phillies mascots brought a light-hearted approach to the situation, the implications for Byron and Astronomer are more serious. Further updates regarding the investigation and company leadership are anticipated in the coming days.
