Andy Byron, CEO of data analytics startup Astronomer, has been placed on leave after a viral video from a Coldplay concert allegedly identified him as part of a couple jokingly referred to by Chris Martin as “possibly having an affair.”
The clip, taken during Coldplay’s performance at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, showed a man and woman featured on the event’s ‘kiss cam’. Upon noticing they were on the big screen, both appeared visibly uncomfortable—covering their faces and ducking out of view. The band’s frontman Chris Martin quipped from the stage, “Oh, what? Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy,” adding fuel to online speculation.
Following the viral spread of the video, Astronomer confirmed Byron’s leave of absence. In a statement to PEOPLE, the company said: “Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy is currently serving as interim CEO, given that Andy Byron has been placed on leave… We will share more details as appropriate in the coming days.”
In a separate post on LinkedIn, the company reiterated its commitment to professional standards: “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability… The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter.”
Astronomer clarified that Byron has not made any public statement and denied reports that other company employees were featured in the video.
The incident has raised questions about personal privacy, workplace ethics, and the power of viral media in influencing corporate actions.
