The tech company at the center of a viral moment involving a couple caught on camera at a Coldplay concert — which led frontman Chris Martin to quip that they might be having an “affair” — has now placed CEO Andy Byron on leave.
“Astronomer cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy is currently serving as interim CEO given Andy Byron has been placed on leave,” a company spokesperson told PEOPLE on Friday, July 18. “We will share more details as appropriate in the coming days.”
The couple, whose identities were initially unknown, became the focus of attention when Martin commented on their awkward response during a segment of the show that was projected to the crowd.
While Coldplay performed at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, earlier this week, the man was seen embracing the woman as the two appeared on the venue’s kiss cam. In a TikTok video that quickly went viral, the woman covers her face and the man ducks out of view once they realize they’re being filmed.
“Oh, look at these two,” Martin, 48, told the audience as the pair tried to hide. “All right, c’mon, you’re okay.”
He then added, “Oh, what? Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”
The clip exploded across social media platforms, with users quickly attempting to identify the couple and speculate on their relationship.
According to The Guardian, Martin later returned to the subject during the concert, seemingly aware of the stir the moment had caused.
“Holy s—,” he reportedly told the crowd. “I hope we didn’t do something bad.”
On the same day, Friday, July 18, Astronomer released a statement via LinkedIn affirming its values and leadership expectations.
“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 stated.
“The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly,” the statement continued.
