And you thought you were having a bad week.
Andy Byron never imagined that attending a Coldplay concert would ruin his entire life, but that’s exactly what happened recently.
In case you missed it, Byron was the CEO of the data analytics firm Astronomer (he has since resigned) and was featured on the kisscam canoodling with Astronomer’s head of HR, Kristin Cabot. Instead of just letting the camera go on, the two quickly separated with Cabot covering her face and Byron diving to the side. Their quick actions led to lead singer, Chris Martin, to say, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”
And the person who was filming this whole thing decided to upload it to TikTok. 80 million views later, “ColdplayGate” has spiraled beyond what anyone could have imagined.
But it’s only getting worse for Byron after his wife, Megan Kerrigan, allegeldy leaked private messages between him and OnlyFans creator Sophie Rain. Rain is one of the top creators on the platform and it seems that Byron was one of clients, reportedly using a discreet messaging app called Finsta to pay nearly $40,000 for explicit video calls with Rain.
Whether this allegation is true or not, it’s extending the focus on Byron and his Coldplay drama. People have turned photos of the kisscam footag into memes, while people across the world are reenacting the couple’s reactions when they are featured on kisscams at events.
Despite all the memes, monologues, and messages about ColdplayGate and the new OnlyFans angle, Byron hasn’t spoken up about the situation — but Rain has.
In a statement she explained: “I can not comment on who my clients and donors are, but this situation is crazy as it is. As a Christian, I don’t condone this type of behavior.”
“I don’t disclose my donors, but I am here for his wife if she needs a friend through these times. I know this type of thing can be hard. If she has any issues at all during this time of uncertainty, she can reach out to me. I would love to talk to her and reassure her that this guy is just a bump in the road,” she continued.
Others have been sharing their support for his wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, who has not issued a statement (though fake statements have circulated the internet). It seems she has sought sanctuary at the couple’s luxury estate in Kennebunk, Maine for now.
While she is keeping a low profile, Byron is still in the headlines and looking for a new job.
Astronomer issued a statement about the incident, first shared with employees and later to the public, where the company stated: “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met. Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted.”
While an interim CEO was appointed (cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy) the company is now searching for a new CEO. It seems they aren’t looking for a new head of HR just yet, as no news on Cabot has been announced.
Perhaps this is one time where the man at the center of the drama is left to face the consequences of his actions withough bringing down the women involved.