In a light-hearted moment during Coldplay’s recent concert, frontman Chris Martin addressed fans about the potential pitfalls of the infamous “kiss cam.” This playful warning came on the heels of a scandal involving Astronomer CEO Andy Byron, who found himself at the center of controversy after being caught on the jumbotron in an intimate moment with a colleague during a Coldplay show.
The incident occurred on July 16, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, when Byron was seen embracing Kristin Cabot, the chief people officer of Astronomer, despite being married to Megan Kerrigan Byron. The footage quickly went viral after being shared on TikTok, sparking widespread discussion and outrage on social media.
Fast forward to July 19, when Coldplay performed at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Martin, 48, took the opportunity to address the audience with a humorous twist. “We’d like to say hello to some of you in the crowd and put some of you on the big screen,” he announced. “How we’re going to do that is we’re going to use our cameras and put some of you on the big screen.” He then added with a grin, “Please, if you haven’t done your makeup, do your makeup now!”
This light-hearted jab came after the unexpected fallout from the kiss cam incident, which had captured Byron and Cabot in a compromising position. The CEO and his colleague quickly ducked out of sight once they realized they were being filmed, leading to a flurry of memes and commentary online.
Martin’s playful remarks were a way to diffuse the tension surrounding the incident, which had led to Astronomer announcing a formal investigation into Byron’s conduct. Following the scandal, Byron was initially placed on temporary leave but ultimately resigned from his position as CEO.
In a statement, Astronomer expressed its commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct and accountability among its leaders. “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met,” a spokesperson said. The Board of Directors has begun the search for a new CEO while Pete DeJoy, the co-founder and Chief Product Officer, serves as interim CEO.
The kiss cam scandal became a hot topic on social media, with millions of views across various platforms. Celebrities like Chrissy Teigen and Bethenny Frankel weighed in, offering their takes on the situation. Teigen, known for her candid opinions, remarked, “I do not give two f***s about these cheaters. My God, it’s consuming you all. Are you OK?” Frankel added her perspective, questioning the couple’s choice of venue for their public display of affection.
The incident not only sparked conversations about workplace relationships but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of celebrity culture. In a stadium filled with over 65,000 fans, it’s a stroke of bad luck to be caught on camera in such a compromising situation. Yet, as the world watched, it became clear that the kiss cam had inadvertently turned into a stage for a larger conversation about ethics and accountability in the workplace.
As the dust settles on this unexpected drama, one thing is certain: Chris Martin’s humorous approach to the situation provided a much-needed moment of levity amid the chaos. His ability to connect with fans and turn a potentially awkward moment into a light-hearted experience is a testament to his charisma and stage presence.
In the end, while the kiss cam incident may have raised eyebrows and sparked controversy, it also reminded us that even in the world of celebrities, moments of humor and connection can emerge from the most unexpected places. Whether you’re a die-hard Coldplay fan or just a casual observer of celebrity culture, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of fame, relationships, and the ever-watchful eye of the public.
