Astronomer CEO resigns after Coldplay ‘kiss cam’ scandal – NBC New York
Knowledge firm Astronomer mentioned Saturday that its CEO has resigned, days after a “kiss cam” at a Coldplay live performance in Massachusetts confirmed a person and a lady embracing one another earlier than operating off and changing into probably the most viral moments of the yr.
The New York-based tech firm mentioned in a assertion on X that its CEO Andy Byron “tendered his resignation, and the Board of Administrators has accepted.”
Byron was recognized by on-line customers as the person within the viral video, with customers claiming that he’s a married man. Nonetheless, NBC Information has not independently confirmed this or recognized the girl.
“As acknowledged beforehand, Astronomer is dedicated to the values and tradition which have guided us since our founding,” the corporate mentioned. “Our leaders are anticipated to set the usual in each conduct and accountability, and just lately, that normal was not met.”
The corporate added that it’s going to start a seek for its subsequent chief government, whereas its co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy will service as its interim CEO.
Byron didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark and has not responded to earlier inquiries.
The debacle started on Wednesday at a Coldplay live performance at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough when a “kiss cam” displayed {couples} within the viewers.
When the digital camera landed on a blond lady and a silver-haired man — later believed by social media customers to be Byron — the girl coated her face and the person ducked out of the body.
Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, appeared to poke enjoyable on the awkward second.
“Oh, take a look at these two. You’re all proper,” he mentioned, in keeping with video footage from the live performance that circulated extensively on-line. “You’re OK. Oh, what? Both they’re having an affair or they’re simply very shy.”
The second went viral on-line, with movies of the encounter accruing tens of millions of views throughout X, Instagram and TikTok, and spawning 1000’s of memes.
On Friday, Astronomer spoke out for the primary time for the reason that viral second, saying in an announcement that Byron was positioned on depart.
The little-known firm, which has below 500 staff in keeping with its LinkedIn profile, appeared to deal with how the fanfare across the “kiss cam” incident has affected its repute in its Saturday assertion.
“Whereas consciousness of our firm could have modified in a single day, our product and our work for our clients haven’t,” the corporate mentioned.
