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Astronomer, a tech company that gained unexpected attention after CEO Andy Byron appeared in a Jumbotron video at a Coldplay concert this week, announced Friday that Byron has been placed on leave.
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The company confirmed that co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy will serve as interim CEO while an investigation is conducted.
The New York-based firm addressed the situation in a LinkedIn statement, emphasizing its expectations for leadership conduct.
"Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability," the statement read, adding that the board of directors “has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly."
The statement also sought to correct misinformation spreading online, including false claims about a third individual in the video and a parody social media account impersonating the CEO.
The now-viral moment occurred during Coldplay’s Wednesday performance at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, where Byron was seen embracing Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s Chief People Officer, as the band played "The Jumbotron Song."
When the camera panned to them, the two quickly separated upon realizing they were displayed on the stadium’s massive screen, with Byron ducking out of view.
"Whoa, look at these two," Coldplay frontman Chris Martin joked during the performance. "Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy."
The clip rapidly circulated online, with social media users identifying Byron and Cabot and spawning countless memes and parody videos.
Astronomer, previously known primarily in tech circles, has found itself in an unwelcome spotlight as the investigation unfolds.
Read more:
Affair on air: Coldplay’s Chris Martin exposes Astronomer CEO Andy Byron
Did Astronomer CEO Andy Byron address viral Coldplay concert scandal?
