Astronomer CEO resigns after viral concert clip

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(NewsNation) — Astronomer CEO Andy Byron resigned on Saturday after a video showing him embracing the company’s HR chief at a Coldplay concert went viral, sparking allegations of cheating.

Astronomer confirmed the news on its LinkedIn page.

“As stated previously, Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met,” the company said in part of a statement.

“Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted. The Board will begin a search for our next Chief Executive as Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy continues to serve as interim CEO.”

In addition, the company confirmed Byron has not issued any statements in response to the fake apologies circulating online. It also clarified that a senior employee, Alyssa Stoddard, was not at the concert, despite online allegations.

The video, which was originally posted to TikTok, shows a couple embracing on camera before trying to dodge out of frame and cover their faces after realizing they were on screen.

A company spokesman later confirmed in a statement to the Associated Press that it was Byron and Astronomer chief people officer Kristin Cabot in the video.

A screenshot of a KissCam video showing Astronomer CEO Andy Byron embracing a woman at a Coldplay concert. (Credit: Grace Springer)

“Oh, look at these two,” Coldplay frontman Chris Martin said to the crowd. Realizing they had been caught on camera, the woman instantly covers her face while Byron, who is married, slinks down to the ground, trying to quickly get out of frame.

“Alright, come on, you’re OK,” Martin said as the pair hastily attempted to vacate the shot.

The crowd roared with laughter after Martin joked, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”

Co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy is now Astronomer’s interim CEO.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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