Speculation is swirling that former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron may be exploring legal action against Coldplay following a viral incident at the band’s concert in Massachusetts on July 16.
Byron became the center of an internet firestorm after he was filmed embracing employee Kristen Cabot during the show. A video of their awkward on-screen moment (broadcast via jumbotron) quickly went viral on TikTok, drawing widespread criticism and ultimately leading to Byron’s resignation from his CEO role.
In a statement posted on social media, Astronomer addressed the situation directly: “As stated previously, 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, and recently, that standard was not met.”
The company added: “Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted. The Board will begin a search for our next Chief Executive as Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy continues to serve as interim CEO.”
Neither Byron nor Cabot have commented publicly on the incident.
Since the clip went viral and led to Byron’s professional downfall, some online have speculated whether he might have legal grounds to sue Coldplay for reputational damage. However, legal experts say any such case wouldn’t hold up in court.
“Any legal claims from Byron would be dead on arrival,” said Ron Zambrano, an attorney at West Coast Employment Lawyers, in a statement to The Mirror.
“He has no grounds to sue. First, it would immediately be struck down as a restriction on creative speech and Coldplay’s ability to be artistic during their performances. Second, Byron and Cabot waived their right to privacy when they attended a public event. Their public display of affection is on them, not on Coldplay. They just got caught.”
Entertainment and civil attorney Tre Lovell of The Lovell Firm echoed Zambrano’s view: “When you are out in public, you have no right to privacy for your actions. People are free to photograph and video you.”
He elaborated: “What people can’t do is use that footage to violate your right to publicity, like profiting off your image, or portray you in a false or defamatory way. But nothing about this situation qualifies.”
With both attorneys in agreement, it seems clear that while the viral moment may have had professional consequences for Byron, there’s little legal recourse available to him when it comes to Coldplay.
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