Kristin Cabot, the Chief People Officer of the data science company Astronomer, remains in her role despite being embroiled in a scandal involving the company’s recently resigned CEO, Andy Byron. The two were captured on video canoodling at a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium, leading to Byron’s swift resignation.
Currently on leave, Cabot’s future within the company remains uncertain, but legal experts indicate it’s not straightforward to terminate employees based solely on negative headlines. “In a real-world big company, you can’t just fire someone because the headlines are ugly,” stated attorney Nicole Brenecki. She emphasized the presence of contracts, internal investigations, and potential legal ramifications that could complicate Cabot’s exit from the company.
Following the viral video that attracted widespread attention—where Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin publicly acknowledged Cabot and Byron—Astronomer confirmed it is conducting an investigation into the incident. Both executives are reportedly married to other individuals, adding complexity to the situation.
The interim CEO of Astronomer, Pete DeJoy, remarked that the media coverage has been “unusual and surreal” for employees, acknowledging that while the situation is unfortunate, it has made Astronomer a well-known name. DeJoy’s comments suggest an awareness of the significant fallout affecting the company.
Employment attorney William Cafaro noted that while it might seem straightforward for Astronomer to dismiss Cabot, negotiations over her exit could be ongoing. He humorously indicated that the circumstances surrounding her position could serve as a clear reason for termination.
Legal analysis also indicated that Cabot may face challenges in pursuing any claims of sexual harassment, as any relationship between her and Byron would need to demonstrate a power imbalance or coercion to be viable in court.
The internal investigation’s outcomes will likely determine the next steps for Cabot and the company. There’s speculation that additional details surrounding their relationship could play a role in the unfolding events.
This situation, while negative, could serve as an opportunity for Astronomer to address workplace culture and leadership dynamics moving forward. A careful approach to resolving these matters might foster an environment of transparency and accountability, ultimately strengthening the organization in the long run.