Speculation is mounting that former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron may be considering legal action against the band Coldplay, following a viral incident during their July 16 concert in Massachusetts.
Byron found himself at the center of a media frenzy after he was captured on the venue’s jumbotron embracing employee Kristen Cabot. The moment—deemed awkward and unprofessional by online critics—quickly spread across TikTok and other platforms, prompting a wave of backlash that ultimately led to Byron’s resignation.
Astronomer addressed the controversy in a public statement:
“Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met,” the company said.
“Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted.” Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy has stepped in as interim CEO while the search for a permanent replacement begins.
So far, neither Byron nor Cabot has issued a public statement. But with rumors of legal action swirling, many are now asking: Was Coldplay’s concert mishap just an embarrassing moment—or the start of a courtroom battle?
Since the viral clip sparked Andy Byron’s swift professional downfall, many online have wondered: Could he have legal grounds to sue Coldplay for damaging his reputation? According to legal experts, the answer is a firm no.
“Any lawsuit Byron might file would be dead on arrival,” said Ron Zambrano, an attorney with West Coast Employment Lawyers, speaking to The Mirror.
“Coldplay’s performance is protected creative expression. Plus, Byron and Cabot willingly attended a public event, effectively waiving any expectation of privacy. Their public display is on them—not Coldplay. They simply got caught.”
Entertainment and civil attorney Tre Lovell of The Lovell Firm agreed: “When you’re in public, you have no right to privacy. People can freely photograph and record you.”
Lovell added, “The law only steps in if someone uses your image to make money without consent, or falsely defames you. This situation doesn’t meet those criteria.”
With experts united on this, it’s clear that while the viral moment cost Byron professionally, Coldplay is unlikely to face any legal consequences.