Software company Astronomer has placed its CEO on leave and begun a ‘formal investigation’ after the executive was caught up in a ‘kiss cam’ incident at a Coldplay concert.
“Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy is currently serving as interim CEO given Andy Byron has been placed on leave,” the company confirmed hours after issuing a statement on the incident.
During the band’s Boston show on Wednesday, a man and woman later identified online as Byron and Astronomer’s chief human resources officer Kristin Cabot appeared on the jumbotron, wrapped in one another’s arms.
When they realised, they quickly separated and attempted to hide from view.
Watch the video above.
READ MORE: Coldplay singer’s instant regret over kiss cam ‘affair’ joke
“Uh oh, what? Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy,” frontman Chris Martin joked to the audience.
More than 24 hours after video of the encounter exploded online and the pair were identified by media publications, Astronomer issued a statement in response to the controversy.
“Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding,” the brief message, shared via the company’s social media and LinkedIn, reads.
“Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability.
READ MORE: The jumbotron at concerts has seen everything
“The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.”
Astronomer did not identify the couple shown in the Coldplay video, and also addressed other matters that had emerged in the discourse surrounding the moment.
The company denied a second woman shown in the video, laughing as the couple separated, was an Astronomer staff member, as had been claimed by many on social media.
https://x.com/astronomerio/status/1946373253519557042?s=46
“Alyssa Stoddard was not at the event and no other employees were in the video,” the company said.
Astronomer also confirmed a statement that circulated online on Friday, attributed to Byron, was not real.
“Andy Byron has not put out any statement, reports saying otherwise are all incorrect.”
READ MORE: The question everyone’s asking after Coldplay’s kiss cam drama
At the time of publishing, neither party have confirmed their appearance at the concert and 9Honey is not suggesting any allegations of an affair are true.
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