Coldplay Concert Scadal
WaTch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPC3OVQdzFY
Coldplay Concert 'Kiss Cam' Causes Scandal for Astronomer Executives
A video from a Coldplay concert’s “kiss cam” caused a big scandal for two top executives at the tech company Astronomer. CEO Andy Byron resigned after the video showed he was having an affair with Kristin Cabot, the company’s Chief People Officer. Kristin also stepped down soon after.
What Happened at the Concert?
During a Coldplay concert near Boston on July 16, 2025, the stadium’s kiss cam showed Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot acting very close. They tried to hide their faces, and Coldplay’s singer, Chris Martin, joked that they might be secretly dating. The video went viral when people recognized them as important leaders at Astronomer. Later, it was revealed that they were having an affair, even though both were married.
Resignations and Company Response
On July 19, Andy Byron resigned as CEO because of concerns about the company’s reputation and workplace ethics. The company’s board accepted his resignation. Pete DeJoy, co-founder and Chief Product Officer, became the temporary CEO while they look for a permanent replacement.
A few days later, Kristin Cabot also resigned. A spokesperson confirmed she was no longer with Astronomer.
Personal Lives and Public Reaction
Kristin is married to Andrew Cabot, CEO of another company, and they own a $2.2 million home together. Andy Byron is married with two children. After the scandal, Andy’s wife reportedly removed his last name from her Facebook and later deleted her account.
Astronomer said their work with customers has not been affected. But the incident sparked many discussions about how executives should behave, personal boundaries at work, and how fast things can spread online.
Final Thoughts
This story shows how a short moment on a kiss cam can change careers and lives very quickly.
Vocabulary Matching
Match each word with its meaning:
| Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Viral | Something that spreads quickly online |
| Resign | To officially leave a job or position |
| Scrutiny | Careful examination |
| Teasing | A humorous or mocking comment |
| Executive | A person with a high-ranking job |
| Scandal | Public disgrace or controversy |
| Ethics | Moral principles |
| Speculation | Unofficial guessing or commentary |
| Reputation | Social opinion of someone’s character |
| Fallout | The aftermath or result of an event |
| Respective | Belonging individually to each person |
| Intensified | Became more serious or strong |
Synonym Match
Match these words with their synonyms:
| Word | Synonym |
|---|---|
| Affair | Relationship |
| Incident | Occurrence |
| Prompt | Stimulate |
| Reveal | Disclose |
| Joke | Quip |
| Exit | Leave |
| Assure | Confirm |
| Secretive | Hidden |
| Public | Open |
| Conduct | Behavior |
Questions to Think About
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What was the kiss cam incident?
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Why did the video go viral?
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Who are Kristin Cabot and Andy Byron?
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What happened after the video went viral?
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How did the company respond?
3. Comprehension Q&A (10 mins)
Have students work in pairs or groups to answer:
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What was the "kiss cam" incident that started the controversy? Why did the video go viral?
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Who are Kristin Cabot and Andy Byron?
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What were the consequences of the viral video? How did the public react?
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What does the company say about its actions after the scandal?
4. Role Play
Scenario: Office Meeting After the Scandal
Divide students into groups and assign roles:
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HR Officer
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Concerned Employee
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Company Spokesperson
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New Interim CEO
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Journalist
Task: Hold a mock town hall meeting where employees ask questions and express concerns. The HR officer and CEO should reassure the team, address ethics, and explain next steps.
5. Communicative Exercise: Debate (15 mins)
Topic: Should a CEO's private life affect their professional role?
Split the class into two teams:
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Team A: YES
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Team B: NO
Give 5 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to debate. Encourage use of lesson vocabulary.
6. Group Discussion / Case Reflection (10 mins)
Discussion prompts:
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What lessons can companies learn from this incident? Should there be rules about office romances?
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Can a moment of fame ruin your life in today’s digital world?
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How can leaders protect both privacy and company reputation?
7. Role Play Exercise
Scenario: Two coworkers discover their colleagues are dating. They discuss how it affects the office.
Roles:
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Coworker 1: Supportive, thinks office romance is fine if professional
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Coworker 2: Worried about gossip and distractions
Task:
In pairs, act out a conversation where Coworker 1 tries to convince Coworker 2 that office romances can be positive, and Coworker 2 shares concerns. Try to use new vocabulary.
8. Communicative Exercise: Office Meeting (15 mins)
Scenario: The company is making new rules about office romances. Students split into groups and take on roles:
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HR Officer
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Employee A (in a relationship at work)
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Employee B (single, concerned about fairness)
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Manager
Task: Hold a mock meeting to discuss what rules should be in place about office relationships. Each person shares their opinion and tries to reach an agreement.
9. Reflection & Discussion (10 mins)
Discuss as a class:
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What are some good rules for office romances?
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How can coworkers stay professional if they date?
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What should people do if a relationship ends badly at work?
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