A viral video captured at a Coldplay concert has led to the suspension of a US tech company’s CEO, after the footage sparked widespread speculation and online controversy.

The incident occurred during a concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where a man and woman were seen embracing as they appeared on the venue’s big screen. As their faces were revealed to the crowd, the pair quickly ducked out of view — a moment that drew both attention and amusement.

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, noticing the couple’s awkward reaction, quipped:

“Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy.”

That remark, combined with the video’s intimate nature, ignited speculation online — with many claiming that the two individuals were senior executives at the tech firm Astronomer. The footage rapidly spread on TikTok, amassed millions of views, and was soon circulating across social media platforms, turning into a viral meme.

By late Friday, Astronomer confirmed via a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that CEO Andy Byron had been placed on leave. The company did not directly reference the video but acknowledged the initiation of a formal investigation:

“Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct and accountability. The Board has launched a formal review of the matter,” the statement read.

In the wake of Byron’s suspension, Pete DeJoy, the company’s co-founder and Chief Product Officer, has been appointed as interim CEO.

Although multiple online reports claim the man in the video is CEO Andy Byron and the woman is Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s Chief People Officer, neither individual has publicly confirmed their identity. The BBC has also been unable to independently verify who appears in the video.

The company further clarified that Mr. Byron has not issued any public statement, and that circulating posts attributed to him are fake. Astronomer also stated that no other employees were involved in the incident.

As the internal investigation unfolds, the viral moment remains a hot topic, raising broader questions about professional boundaries, privacy in public settings, and the impact of internet culture on corporate reputations.