Bad decision after drinking: Astronomer HR head breaks silence on kiss cam scandal

Kristin Cabot, the former head of Human Resources at the tech company Astronomer, has publicly addressed the infamous “kiss cam” incident that occurred months ago at a Coldplay concert. The video, which went viral, showed Cabot and Astronomer CEO Andy Byron in a public display of affection.

Cabot, 53, a mother of two, described the incident as a “bad decision” fueled by alcohol. According to a New York Post report, she believes it has turned her into an internet meme, made her “unemployable,” and effectively ended her career.

In interviews published on Thursday, Cabot took responsibility for her actions, stating, “I made a bad decision and had a couple of High Noons and danced and acted inappropriately with my boss.” She admitted to having a “big happy crush” on Byron at the time but acknowledged the significant professional repercussions of her behavior.

Cabot feels the ensuing backlash was excessive. Identifying herself as “just a mom from New Hampshire, not some celebrity,” she questioned why a potential affair should become public knowledge. She characterized the fallout as a modern-day “scarlet letter,” lamenting that her professional accomplishments have been disregarded, and she has been labeled “the most maligned HR manager in HR history.”

Cabot clarified that both she and Byron were separated from their spouses when they attended the concert with friends. Having been hired just months prior, she developed feelings for Byron after discovering he was also going through a divorce. What began as a fun night took an unexpected turn when they were shown on the stadium's jumbotron.

Cabot remembers initially feeling anonymous among the large crowd before realizing they were on the big screen. She admitted to drinking and dancing when the camera captured the moment. The situation was further complicated by the presence of her soon-to-be ex-husband at the same concert, initially causing her concern about embarrassing him. The realization of being seen with her boss, and the possibility of colleagues or investors witnessing the scene, quickly followed.

Cabot said the public reaction drastically altered both her personal and professional life. She stated that she bore the brunt of the criticism and was subjected to sexist abuse, including accusations of being a “gold-digger” or advancing her career through an affair. Cabot refuted these claims, emphasizing the sacrifices and challenges she overcame throughout her career.

Cabot revealed that she and Byron briefly exchanged “crisis-management advice” following the incident but have not spoken in recent months. She officially filed for divorce approximately one month after the video went viral.