A seemingly innocent moment captured on camera during a Coldplay concert has spiraled into a life-altering ordeal for a former HR executive, demonstrating the devastating power of viral public shaming in the digital age. Kristin Cabot, 53, has broken her silence regarding the July incident at a Boston show where cameras captured her embracing her then-boss, Andy Byron, CEO of tech firm Astronomer.
The footage showed the pair swaying to music before abruptly ducking away when they realized they appeared on the giant screen—a reaction that prompted Coldplay frontman Chris Martin to quip to the audience: ‘Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy.’ This offhand comment ignited an internet firestorm that would ultimately cost both individuals their careers and subject Cabot to relentless harassment.
In her first extensive interviews with both The Times and The New York Times, Cabot revealed the profound personal and professional consequences she has endured since the viral moment. Despite maintaining that no sexual relationship existed between her and Byron—and that they had never kissed prior to that evening—Cabot acknowledges having a ‘crush’ on her boss and making ‘a bad decision’ after consuming alcohol at the concert.
The aftermath proved swift and severe: Byron resigned from Astronomer following an internal investigation, while Cabot stepped down from her position as chief people officer. More devastating than the career loss, however, has been the unceasing harassment that has followed. Cabot reports being deemed ‘unemployable’ in her field, receiving up to 600 threatening calls daily, and enduring vicious personal attacks that scrutinized her appearance, character, and professional integrity.
The abuse extended to her family, with her children facing embarrassment at school and fearing for their safety after receiving death threats. Cabot noted the particular cruelty of female critics and highlighted the disproportionate backlash she received compared to her male counterpart, suggesting gender played a significant role in the intensity of the public response.
While beginning to tentatively rebuild her life through therapy and gradual reengagement with social activities, Cabot emphasizes that the digital footprint of her humiliation continues to haunt her. The case raises urgent questions about workplace relationships, public shaming culture, and the gendered dimensions of professional accountability in the era of viral content.