Kristin Cabot, the HR executive who went viral during a Coldplay concert for an intimate moment with her boss, is speaking out about the severe repercussions she has faced since the video was widely shared. In an interview with the Times, Cabot, 53, revealed that the harassment started immediately after the incident and has continued since.
In the video, taken during a concert in Boston, Cabot was seen hugging Andy Byron, the then-CEO of Astronomer, before they ducked out of the spotlight. Following the viral exposure, which prompted jokes from the crowd and wider online audiences, Cabot soon found herself unemployed after Byron stepped down pending an investigation.
Cabot stated, I became a meme, I was the most maligned HR manager in HR history, as she reflected on the extensive backlash and negative attention she received. Not only did she endure public scrutiny, but Cabot also experiences difficulties securing new job opportunities, being told she was unemployable as the incident haunted her reputation.
The video gained notoriety after Coldplay's lead singer Chris Martin commented, Either they're having an affair, or they're just very shy, which only fueled online speculation. For Cabot, the fallout was a source of embarrassment and distress, particularly as it affected her family and children's school lives.
In a follow-up conversation with the New York Times, Cabot clarified that she was not engaged in a sexual relationship with Byron, despite having had a ''crush'' on him. She described her actions at the concert as a misstep influenced by alcohol, expressing regret for the consequences of her behavior.
The ongoing harassment was compounded by threatening messages and her children's fear for her safety, describing their distress as having made it impossible for them to engage in normal social activities. Cabot highlighted the disproportionate criticism she received, particularly from women, and lamented the harsh judgment and doxxing that invaded her privacy.
While she initially sought support from Byron, they opted to halt communication to aid in their healing process. As life begins to show improvement, Cabot is focused on her family's well-being and continuing to ensure that this incident does not define her.
