Kristin Cabot, former HR head at tech company Astronomer, has spoken publicly for the first time months after a Coldplay concert video showing her in a public kiss with CEO Andy Byron went viral. She described the incident as a “bad decision” made after drinking, which she says has left her “unemployable” and made her a meme.
The Night That Changed Everything
Cabot, 53, said the 16-second moment captured on the stadium jumbotron changed her life overnight. “I made a bad decision and had a couple of High Noons and danced and acted inappropriately with my boss,” she admitted. She called Byron her “big happy crush” at the time and acknowledged paying a heavy professional price.
She explained that both she and Byron were separated from their spouses when they attended the concert with friends. What was meant to be a fun night out spiraled when the Jumbotron unexpectedly focused on them. Cabot said she initially panicked, especially because her soon-to-be ex-husband was also present at the event.
Facing Public Backlash
The former executive described the reaction as disproportionate. “I’m not some celebrity, I’m just a mom from New Hampshire,” she said, emphasizing that even if there was an affair, it should not have become public business. Cabot said the fallout has been like a “scarlet letter”, erasing her professional achievements and branding her “the most maligned HR manager in HR history.”
She also highlighted sexist abuse and accusations, including claims that she was a “gold-digger” or had advanced her career through an affair. Cabot rejected these claims, saying they ignored the sacrifices and hard work she had invested in her career.
Career and Personal Impact
Cabot said she briefly stayed in touch with Byron for “crisis-management advice”, but they have not spoken in months. She filed for divorce roughly a month after the video went viral. The incident, she said, has left lasting consequences both professionally and personally.
Reflecting on the event, Cabot stressed personal accountability. She admitted her actions were a mistake, but also expressed frustration over the extreme public scrutiny. The viral moment became a global talking point, but Cabot’s main concern is the impact on her career and personal life.
