Following the viral social media scandal involving two Astronomer company executives at a Music of the Spheres concert, Chris Martin made a noteworthy remark during the following performance in Wisconsin on 19/7. On X (formerly Twitter), an audience member captured the artist reminding fans that the kiss cam was about to start, and some might appear on the big screen.
"We want to say hello to some of the audience here. The way we do it is with a camera, projecting some people onto the big screen. Please, if you haven't finished your makeup, please do it now," Chris Martin said while playing the guitar. Most of the concertgoers laughed at his "warning." Several accounts reshared the video, with some suggesting it was the artist's way of alluding to the kiss cam affair revelation.
The scandal involving CEO Andy Byron and HR director Kristin Cabot has become a global sensation. It all began during the band's performance in Massachusetts on the evening of 16/7. Typically, the kiss cam randomly films couples in real-time, giving them a chance to kiss. When the camera inadvertently captured Mr. Byron embracing Ms. Cabot, they quickly hid their faces and tried to avoid the lens.
At the time, the nature of their relationship was unclear. Chris Martin joked, "Either they're having an affair, or they're just shy." He then expressed remorse, saying he hoped he hadn't done anything wrong. The singer tried to lighten the mood by asking the next couple if they were "a legitimate pair."
An audience member filmed the entire incident and posted it on TikTok about a day later. The video unexpectedly went viral after some people revealed Byron and Cabot's identities, confirming their affair. Some comments included: "The probability of your marriage and career falling apart at a Coldplay concert is very low, but never zero," and "Thank you to the cameraman for capturing them."
Soon after, various news outlets uncovered their marital statuses, revealing that 50-year-old Andy Byron was married with two children, while Cabot had divorced in 2022. On 18/7, Astronomer announced an investigation into the relationship and placed both on leave. On 19/7, the company announced Byron's resignation, while Cabot's status remained unclear.
"Astronomer is committed to upholding the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our company leaders are expected to set the standard for conduct and accountability. Recently, that standard was not met," a company spokesperson told Us Weekly.
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Chris Martin performs during the Sydney leg in July 2024. Photo: Instagram/ Coldplay |
Coldplay is a renowned British band fronted by Chris Martin. Formed in 1996, the band has won seven Grammy Awards. Their globally beloved hits include "Yellow," "The Scientist," "Clocks," "A Sky Full of Stars," and "Adventure of a Lifetime."
The Music of the Spheres World Tour is the band's eighth concert tour, promoting their latest albums, Music of the Spheres (2021) and Moon Music (2024). Starting in Costa Rica in 2022, the tour has spanned several countries, including the US, UK, Brazil, Singapore, and Malaysia. By December 2024, the tour had grossed over $1.1 billion USD. On 30/1, the concert set a record for the highest attendance on a tour with 10.3 million people, surpassing Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.
The kiss cam is a popular feature at sporting events in the US and Canada. According to NPR, its exact origins are unclear, but it seems to have emerged in California stadiums in the 1980s. Many find the kiss cam entertaining for its romantic moments, such as former US President Jimmy Carter kissing his wife at an Atlanta Braves game in 2015.
Phuong Thao (via Us Weekly)
