At a Coldplay concert in Foxborough on July 16, an awkward moment captured on the stadium’s kiss cam went viral. Kristin Cabot, Astronomer's head of human resources, and CEO Andy Byron were caught in a cozy embrace. Neither appeared enthusiastic; both ducked and pulled away in embarrassment. Chris Martin even quipped, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”

Within days of the clip hitting TikTok with over 4 million likes, both were placed on leave by their company, and Byron later resigned.

Careers and Consequences

Andy Byron, born September 14, 1974, led Astronomer into a 93 million dollar Series D funding round just months ago and until recently steered its data operations growth. But after the scandal, the board acted swiftly. Byron stepped down on July 19 and Pete DeJoy, cofounder and CPO, became interim CEO.

Kristin Cabot is reportedly on administrative leave, and the internal investigation continues.

Who Is Kristin Cabot?

The story took a twist when reporters traced her marriage to Andrew Cabot, heir to Privateer Rum and sixth generation descendant of one of Boston’s oldest families, the Cabots.

The Cabots are classic Boston Brahmins, the upper crust WASP elite. Their lineage goes back ten generations, with fortunes originally built in the soot-oriented carbon black business used in tires, and later diversified interests like rum.

A 1972 New York Times profile valued their wealth at 200 million dollars, equivalent to about 15.4 billion now. The family also has roots in the slave and opium trades of the early 19th century, but supports institutions like Harvard, MIT, and the Perkins School for the Blind.

A Name That Speaks Volumes

Locally, the Cabots are synonymous with privilege. Bostonians know the rhyme:

“Where the Lowells talk only to Cabots / And the Cabots talk only to God.”
 That line tells you everything about their place in Boston society — almost theological, unapologetically elite.

Personal Ties and Property

Kristin and Andrew Cabot reportedly bought a 2.2 million dollar home on the New Hampshire coast earlier this year. Both have divorced and remarried. Kristin’s divorce was finalized in 2022.

Also, she joined the advisory board of Privateer Rum in September 2020, according to a now-deleted LinkedIn post.

Public Reaction and Culture Shock

The scandal didn’t just grace tabloid front pages. It sparked internet memes, social media debate, and even influenced concert banter. Country singer Morgan Wallen joked at a different show that people are “safe with their side chick” here, referencing the controversy.

On social platforms, reactions ranged from mockery and sympathy to ethical discourse about workplace boundaries, power dynamics, and infidelity.

What Happens Now?

Astronomer is now in cleanup mode. Byron is gone, Cabot is on leave, and the board is reviewing internal policy. Public messaging focuses on accountability and unity behind core values amid the viral storm.

Meanwhile, media outlets are digging into the tangled threads, infidelity, old money politics, mystique and moral questions.

This story is more than viral embarrassment. It’s a collision of elite legacy and Silicon Valley ethos, a reminder that personal lives and professional worlds collide in real time. For Astronomer, it’s a reputational stress test. And for Boston, it’s a fresh update on the power of a Brahmin dynasty with biblical-sized influence.