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HR exec in viral Coldplay clip speaks of abuse, threats and trying to find a new job

December 18, 2025

Kristin Cabot, a 53-year-old HR executive, has spoken publicly for the first time about becoming a viral meme after being filmed embracing her boss at a Coldplay concert in July, where the pair attempted to hide from the kiss cam. Following the incident, both she and CEO Andy Byron resigned from tech company Astronomer, but Cabot reports experiencing ongoing severe harassment including death threats, doxxing, and up to 600 calls daily, making her feel "unemployable. " She claims women were her harshest critics and believes she received disproportionate abuse compared to her male counterpart, with accusations of being a "gold-digger" despite her professional accomplishments.

Who is affected

  • Kristin Cabot (former Chief People Officer at Astronomer)
  • Andy Byron (former CEO of Astronomer)
  • Cabot's two children
  • Cabot's husband (from whom she was separated)
  • Astronomer (the tech company)
  • The broader public who watched and shared the viral video

What action is being taken

  • Cabot is looking for another job
  • Cabot has found therapists for her children
  • Cabot has started leaving the house to play tennis
  • The BBC is trying to contact Andy Byron for comment

Why it matters

  • This incident highlights the disproportionate and gendered nature of online harassment, particularly how women face more severe consequences than men for the same behavior. It demonstrates how viral moments can have devastating real-world impacts that persist long after the internet has moved on, affecting not just the individuals involved but their families as well. The case also raises important questions about workplace conduct, accountability standards for leaders, and the culture of public shaming on social media. Additionally, it illustrates how doxxing and coordinated harassment campaigns can destroy careers and create genuine safety concerns, with Cabot receiving death threats and experiencing ongoing professional consequences while her male counterpart has remained silent.

What's next

  • Cabot continues to search for employment opportunities
  • Her children continue therapy to address the trauma from the incident

Read full article from source: BBC