Bethenny Frankel Speaks Out on Astronomer CEO's Controversial Moment at a Coldplay Concert
Bethenny Frankel, a former star of "Real Housewives of New York City," recently voiced strong opinions about Andy Byron, the CEO of Astronomer. The controversy began when Byron was seen cuddling with Kristin Cabot, the company’s HR Chief, during a "kiss cam" segment at a Coldplay concert. Frankel took to TikTok to express her frustration with Byron’s lack of discretion.
In her video, Frankel questioned why Byron and Cabot would choose such an event for their private moment. “What’s wrong with a Motel 6? Who could you not run into at a Coldplay concert?” she asked her followers. She highlighted that the setting is far from exclusive, noting that people from all walks of life, including teachers, doctors, and even coworkers, could be in attendance.
Frankel continued by suggesting that Byron and Cabot might have encountered someone like “Dan from accounting” or “Jane from HR,” emphasizing how public the situation was. Her frustration was evident as she exclaimed, “Like, what the f-ck were you thinking? Dude, Astronomer, the 'Sky Full of Stars' that's for shizzle. What the f-ck?”
Fan Reactions to Frankel’s Comments
Fans of Frankel took to the comments section of her TikTok video to share their own thoughts on the incident. One user wrote, “Baby, she WAS Jane from HR.” Another commented, “Coldplay haven't made a single in years, last night, they made 2.” A third fan agreed with Frankel, stating that going to a Coldplay concert is like visiting a neighborhood grocery store. Another shared a personal experience, saying, “I literally ran into a coworker I hadn’t seen in a decade at a Coldplay concert.”
Coldplay’s Lead Singer Reacts in Real Time
The viral clip also captured Chris Martin, Coldplay’s lead singer, reacting to the situation. At first, he joked about the couple, saying, “Either they're having an affair, or they're just very shy.” Later, he seemed to regret his comment, telling the audience, “I don't know what to do” before adding, “Oh sh-t, I hope we didn’t do something bad.”
A Contradictory Statement from Astronomer CEO
Ironically, in November 2024, Byron praised Cabot in a press release. He highlighted her leadership skills, calling her a “proven leader at multiple growth-stage companies” and praising her “passion for fostering diverse, collaborative workplaces.” Cabot herself spoke about her new role, emphasizing that her position is more than traditional human resources. She stated, “I prefer to think of my role as people strategy versus traditional human resources.”
Investigation and Company Response
Astronomer has since confirmed that Byron has been placed on leave while the company investigates the incident. A spokesperson for the company stated, “Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability.” The company also addressed claims that other employees were present at the concert, stating, “... no other employees were in the video.”
This ongoing situation has sparked discussions about workplace conduct and the importance of discretion, especially for high-profile executives. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how this will affect the company's future.