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Andy Byron, CEO of New York-based tech company Astronomer, has stepped down following a viral video that stirred controversy and led to widespread speculation about an alleged workplace affair.

The now-viral clip, taken at a Coldplay concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts, captured a man and woman embracing in the crowd.

Their visibly startled reaction upon realizing they were being shown on the jumbotron drew laughs and scrutiny especially after Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin joked, “Uh-oh, what? Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”

Online detectives were quick to identify the pair as Byron and Kristin Cabot, the company’s Chief People Officer.

Social media exploded with commentary and memes, especially over the irony that a top HR executive might be involved in an inappropriate workplace relationship.

Astronomer, in a LinkedIn statement, confirmed Byron’s resignation, saying:

“Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.”

The company had earlier announced an investigation into the matter.

The video racked up millions of views across TikTok and other platforms, fueling jokes and even recreations including one by the Philadelphia Phillies’ mascots during a baseball game.

Adding to the confusion, a viral apology message claimed to be from Byron began circulating online, but it was later debunked as fake and traced back to a parody account.

As of now, there has been no public comment from either Byron or Cabot regarding the incident.



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