Kristin Cabot, the HR executive who went viral after being caught on camera hugging her boss at a Coldplay concert, has broken her silence about the relentless abuse and threats she has faced since the incident, revealing that she is struggling to find a new job after being labeled ‘unemployable.’
In July, at a Coldplay concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Kristin Cabot and her then-boss Andy Byron were shown on the big screen embracing, leading to a humorous comment from lead singer Chris Martin. The video quickly spread across social media, amassing millions of views and turning the pair into internet memes. Within days, the online world moved on, but for Cabot, the ordeal had only just begun.
For the first time, Cabot has given interviews to The Times and the New York Times, describing how the momentary lapse in judgment has devastated her life. She admitted to having a ‘crush’ on Byron and acting inappropriately after drinking, but emphasized that there was no sexual relationship. Cabot said she ‘took accountability’ and gave up her career for that bad decision, stepping down as chief people officer at tech company Astronomer following Byron’s resignation.
Following the viral clip, Cabot faced intense public scrutiny, with her appearance, body, and clothes being picked apart. She received up to 600 threatening calls a day, was doxxed, and endured 50 to 60 death threats. Celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg piled on, and Gwyneth Paltrow participated in a promotional video for Astronomer that mocked the scandal. The abuse escalated to the point where Cabot feared for her safety and that of her family.
Her two children were deeply affected, becoming too embarrassed to be picked up from school or attend sports games. Cabot said her kids feared she might die, leading her to find therapists for them. The family dreaded public spaces, with paparazzi camped outside their home like a ‘parade,’ compounding their distress.
Cabot reflected that as a woman, she bore the brunt of the abuse, with accusations of being a ‘gold-digger’ or sleeping her way to the top. She noted that most of the cruel criticism came from other women, highlighting the harsh judgment faced by women in similar situations. This gendered backlash underscored the disproportionate impact on female professionals in corporate scandals.
Both Cabot and Byron resigned from Astronomer, which issued statements emphasizing accountability and accepted Byron’s resignation. Cabot has been told she is ‘unemployable’ in her field, struggling to find a new job despite her extensive experience. The company’s response included a fake statement from Byron that went viral, forcing Astronomer to clarify he had not commented publicly.
Things are slowly improving for Cabot; she has started leaving the house to play tennis and is focusing on healing. She and Byron have cut contact to facilitate moving on, after briefly exchanging crisis management advice. Byron has remained silent publicly, while Cabot hopes to rebuild her life and career.
This case underscores the lasting impact of viral shame and online harassment, particularly on women. It raises questions about privacy, media ethics, and the disproportionate consequences for individuals caught in public scandals, serving as a cautionary tale in the digital age.
