Kristin Cabot is still on leave as the head of HR for US data company Astronomer. This comes more than a month after a viral video appeared to show her in an apparent embrace at a Coldplay performance with the then-CEO. Cabot was not fired, even though Andy Byron resigned a few days later. The delay is attributed to the legal and contractual complexities.
Both executives were placed on leave following the viral coldplay video that was captured by a jumbotron at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts and widely shared on social media. Both executives were put on leave after the 16th July incident. The video was captured by a jumbotron in Gillette Stadium, Massachusetts, and widely circulated on social media.
Employment attorney Nicole Brenecki said to the New York Post that there are “likely contracts, internal investigation, and legal issues” involved. She added that even if a scandal is high-profile, a company cannot “just fire someone because of the headlines”.
Byron’s departure was confirmed by 19 July. It was reportedly delayed because of severance talks. He joined Astronomer 2023, and he led the company through a period of high growth. Investors such as Salesforce Ventures and Bain Capital backed him.
Conflict of Interest
Cabot is at the center of a larger debate on trust and impartiality within HR leadership. She became chief people officer (CPO) in November 2024. Observers, including HR professionals, have questioned if she can return in a role which often involves enforcing policies on conduct and dealing with sensitive workplace issues.
One reader asked on the Post website, “As a HR Director, she will be able deal with the issue with other employees?” She would find it difficult to deal with any disciplinary actions. I would say she is unable to do her job effectively.
One commenter identified as a longtime HR director wrote: “She’ll have a hard time finding another job in this field.” She may be in HR, managing payroll or benefits but that is about it.
Astronomer, however, has declined to comment on Cabot’s situation. In a LinkedIn posting, interim CEO Pete DeJoy stated that the attention received by staff was “surreal”. He wrote: “While I never would have wanted it to be this way, Astronomer has become a household brand.”
The personal lives of individuals are under scrutiny
Social media posts revealed that Cabot and Byron appeared to be married. The scandal grew when the revelations were made. The fact that the scandal was broadcast on a stadium’s screen, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin commented from the stage, added an extra layer of drama to the corporate crisis.
Attorney Douglas Wigdor said to the Post that there may be more information about the relationship and this could influence the outcome of the investigation. He said, “Perhaps there is more to her story.” It’s possible that’s how they ended up at the concert, embracing. The video is short, so it’s difficult to tell what’s going on.
Credibility and consistency
Many in the HR profession are concerned about perceived hypocrisy, not policy violations. Another Post reader asked: “They preach every day about how bad interoffice relationships are, but yet she’s allowed to remain in this capacity?” Do as I say and not as I do.
Other people pointed out the growing burden of mandatory workplace training, which is often provided by HR departments. This scandal has undermined that work. One reader wrote: “I don’t know how her days will not be numbered.”
Lawyers say that despite speculation, Cabot will not be able claim harassment because there are no indications in the public domain that this relationship was unconsensual, or involving coercion.
Brenecki said that unless she was forced into the relationship due to a power imbalance there is not much evidence. “Being humiliated on a jumbotron doesn’t mean you were harassed in the workplace.”
What are you waiting for?
Legal commentators think Cabot could be dismissed, but not until the internal process is complete. William Cafaro, an attorney from the firm Cafaro & Associates, suggested that both sides could be in negotiations behind closed doors.
He said that if one were to search in a dictionary for the word “cause” [for firing], it would be a picture showing the HR head having an affair with the CEO. It’s hard to imagine how she can continue in her role.
Astronomer is yet to confirm the conclusion of the investigation. Cabot is currently on leave. Her leadership credibility and professional future are uncertain.
