An HR executive caught on the big screen at a Coldplay concert embracing her boss has described how the harassment has never ended following the viral moment. Kristin Cabot has spoken publicly for the first time about the video in which she was seen hugging Andy Byron, then-CEO of tech company Astronomer. Ms Cabot, 53, who was the company's chief people officer, stepped down following Mr Byron's resignation after the firm announced he would be placed on leave and investigated. Speaking to the Times, Ms Cabot said she has been looking for another job but has been told she is unemployable.
The video, which showed the pair swaying to music at the concert in Boston, Massachusetts, quickly went viral, watched millions of times. Chris Martin, Coldplay's lead singer, humorously commented on the couple's behavior, sparking a wave of memes and jokes at their expense. But, while the internet has moved on, for Ms Cabot, her ordeal was just beginning. 'I became a meme, I was the most maligned HR manager in HR history,' she explained.
In an interview, she clarified her relationship with Mr Byron, stating they were not in a sexual relationship and had never kissed prior to that night, though she admits to having had a 'crush' on him. Ms Cabot took full accountability, remarking, 'I made a bad decision and had a couple of High Noons and danced and acted inappropriately with my boss.' While her personal struggles continued, she emphasized that the harassment was not just affecting her, but also her children, who were too embarrassed to be picked up from school.
She expressed concern that as a woman, she bore the brunt of the abuse while seeking to dispel damaging rumors about her ambitions. Adding to her burden, she received personal threats and was doxxed, facing extreme public scrutiny and criticism.
Despite the challenges, she is beginning to find some peace and seeks to address the ongoing harassment and its impact on her life and family. Ms Cabot’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching consequences of viral moments and societal judgments.
The video, which showed the pair swaying to music at the concert in Boston, Massachusetts, quickly went viral, watched millions of times. Chris Martin, Coldplay's lead singer, humorously commented on the couple's behavior, sparking a wave of memes and jokes at their expense. But, while the internet has moved on, for Ms Cabot, her ordeal was just beginning. 'I became a meme, I was the most maligned HR manager in HR history,' she explained.
In an interview, she clarified her relationship with Mr Byron, stating they were not in a sexual relationship and had never kissed prior to that night, though she admits to having had a 'crush' on him. Ms Cabot took full accountability, remarking, 'I made a bad decision and had a couple of High Noons and danced and acted inappropriately with my boss.' While her personal struggles continued, she emphasized that the harassment was not just affecting her, but also her children, who were too embarrassed to be picked up from school.
She expressed concern that as a woman, she bore the brunt of the abuse while seeking to dispel damaging rumors about her ambitions. Adding to her burden, she received personal threats and was doxxed, facing extreme public scrutiny and criticism.
Despite the challenges, she is beginning to find some peace and seeks to address the ongoing harassment and its impact on her life and family. Ms Cabot’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching consequences of viral moments and societal judgments.
