US company CEO sent on leave after controversial video goes viral

U.S.-based tech company Astronomer has sent its CEO, Andy Byron, on administrative leave and launched an internal investigation after a video of him getting physically close with the company’s Head of HR, Christine Cabot, at a Coldplay concert went viral.

The video, captured during the concert, showed Byron and Cabot in an intimate posture. When the camera turned toward them, Byron quickly ducked while Cabot turned her face away — but the moment didn’t escape the attention of social media users.

Both individuals are reportedly married to other people, and their undisclosed relationship is seen as a violation of the company’s code of conduct, which prohibits undisclosed romantic involvement between senior executives.

Following the backlash, Byron restricted comments on his LinkedIn profile, and his spouse reportedly deleted her Facebook account. Astronomer, in a brief statement, confirmed the CEO’s leave and said internal enquiries are underway. The company also reminded employees of its strict policies regarding workplace ethics and conduct.