A seemingly innocent kiss cam moment at a Coldplay concert has turned into a full-blown viral scandal, now dubbed “ColdplayGate.” Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR head Kristin Cabot, both married to other people, were caught on camera looking suspiciously cozy. Their shocked reaction and attempt to dodge the camera only made the moment more viral, especially after Coldplay’s Chris Martin joked, “They’re either having an affair or really shy.”
The internet quickly did what it does best—identified the pair, dug into their personal lives, and exposed their roles at the tech company Astronomer. The fact that they’re both married to others only intensified speculation. So far, neither Byron nor Cabot has issued any official comment about the incident.
Making the situation even more absurd, a fake apology statement began circulating online. It appeared to be from Byron, not apologizing for potential infidelity—but for being a Coldplay fan. The parody included mock sincerity and even ended with lyrics from “Fix You.” Many believed it was real, prompting both mockery and confusion.
Elon Musk couldn’t resist chiming in, reacting to the viral fake apology with a single crying-laughing emoji on X (formerly Twitter). His post amplified the moment, turning it into meme fuel and highlighting how even minor corporate scandals can become global punchlines.
All of this plays out against Musk’s own chaos at X: the resignation of CEO Linda Yaccarino, Grimes calling the platform “poison,” and Grok AI’s bizarre behavior. Even office drama now enters the meme-industrial complex.