The Philadelphia Phillies have joined the viral sensation surrounding a recent incident at a Coldplay concert, as their mascots humorously reenacted a moment involving a local CEO and his colleague. The event occurred during a game against the Los Angeles Angels on July 18, 2023, showcasing the intersection of sports and pop culture in a light-hearted manner.
The controversy began when Andy Byron, CEO of the software company Astronomer, and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot were caught on the concert’s “kiss cam.” Footage revealed Byron wrapping his arms around Cabot’s midsection, only for the pair to quickly separate upon realizing they were being broadcast. The moment sparked laughter from the crowd as Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, remarked, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy,” adding to the comedic nature of the scenario.
In a playful twist, the Phillies’ mascots recreated this awkward encounter during the baseball game, eliciting cheers and laughter from fans in attendance. The team’s social media account shared the clip, cheekily captioning it, “Local CEO caught CHEATING at Phillies game?!”
In the aftermath of the concert, the incident has had serious repercussions for Byron. On the same day as the game, Astronomer announced that he had been placed on leave while the company initiated an investigation. The board of directors is looking into the matter, emphasizing their commitment to accountability and proper conduct.
Astronomer’s statement, shared on LinkedIn, reiterated the company’s values: “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability.” Co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy has stepped in as interim CEO during this period of uncertainty.
The fallout from the kiss cam incident has drawn significant media attention, with many discussing the implications for Byron and Cabot. Although the pair have not publicly commented on the situation, the incident continues to generate interest across various platforms.
As the story unfolds, more details from Astronomer and reactions from the individuals involved are anticipated in the coming days. The playful reenactment by the Phillies serves as a reminder of how pop culture moments can intertwine with the sports world, bringing both humor and serious consequences.