Just hours after Astronomer posted a statement they would launch an investigation in CEO Andy Byron and chief people officer Kristin Cabot caught in an embrace at a Coldplay concert, it is being reported both have been put on leave pending the investigation.

Axios, citing a source familiar with the situation, first reported the news.

In addition, the company said the Byron apology circulating on social media was is fake and another employee, Alyssa Stoddard, who many had misidentified, was not at the event.

“Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding,” the statement read earlier Friday. “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability. The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.”

The statement comes after Coldplay’s Chris Martin pointed out if the two who ducked out of the way of the camera were “having an affair or (are) just very shy.”

Byron and Cabot – both married – were those identified in the video. Byron ducked out of the frame while Cabot covered her face and turned around.

Byron became CEO of Astronomer in 2023, whereas Cabot, according to her now-defunct LinkedIn, joined Astronomer in November 2024.

Astronomer is a private data infrastructure and operations company.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.