Lip-Reader-Reveals-What-Andy-Byron-Whispered-to-Kristin-Cabot

Lip Reader Exposes CEO’s Whispered Panic in Viral Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal

It should have just been another night at a Coldplay concert until the kiss cam turned a private moment into a global scandal. Andy Byron, the then-CEO of the tech firm Astronomer, was caught on the kiss cam in what appeared to be an intimate moment with the company's HR director, Kristin Cabot. 

Their panicked reaction - ducking away and covering their faces undoubtedly prompted immediate speculation. Now, a professional lip-reader has looked at this part and what was said during the moments of hesitation. 

As the jumbotron moved even closer, Coldplay's Chris Martin mentioned, Either they're having an affair, or they're just incredibly shy.. But the realities may be worse. According to the lip reader, Byron mouthed, ‘Oh f--k, it's us,’ while Cabot exclaimed, ‘This is so awkward,’ before she quickly turned away.

The Aftermath: Resignations and Consequences

Shortly after Byron resigned as CEO, the board of Astronomer issued a statement that declared, Our leaders must set an example in conduct and accountability. Meanwhile, his wife, Megan Kerrigan, dropped Byron's surname from her social media, and Cabot, reportedly married to Andrew Cabot, CEO of Privateer Rum, went dark. 

Festival attendee Grace Springer uploaded a broadcast video that gained over 122 million views, exposing a personal mistake to the public. Later, Springer admitted, I had no idea who they were, but you play stupid games, you win stupid prizes. 

CEO of Astronomer & Kristin Cabot. A viral video from a Coldplay Concert  (source: LAD Bible)

Kristin Cabot, Fit for Astronomer Byron- Said Once

When Kristin Cabot started at Astronomer last November, Byron didn't hold back! As noted by LadBible, Byron said Kristin was precisely what we needed going into a period of rapid growth, along with outstanding leadership in people strategy and talent management.

Kristen has done this in her past; she has led people teams in high-growth companies, and her enthusiasm for building diverse and supportive workplaces makes her a perfect fit for Astronomer, Byron said.

The PR Fallout: A Good Luck Really for Astronomer?

Byron may have tarnished  the front door of the company, but some PR pundits argue that he inadvertently gave Astronomer a boost, thrusting the company to the forefront. We’re now a household name, said interim CEO Pete DeJoy with measured enthusiasm. 

The critics weren't shy, reprimanding Astronomer for their lack of speed and calling the overall reaction a textbook case of PR malpractice that could have been avoided.

What Next for Byron and Cabot?

The human cost of their shareability is beginning to emerge. Byron has stepped away from public life, and Cabot canceled her keynote at the PeopleOps Summit.  

There is an ominous atmosphere at Astronomer, where employees report three Fortune 500 companies have rolled out new policies regarding executive behavior at public events. Even Coldplay's Kiss Cam has fewer participants because concertgoers don't want to be the next viral celebrity. 

This scandal has companies wondering: In the digital age, is there any moment that can truly be private?