BREAKING: Privateer Rum Board Receives Anonymous Envelope with 13 Kiss Cam Stills — One Shows Megan Kerrigan’s Bracelet Clenched in Kristin Cabot’s Fist
On July 22, 2025, the corporate and personal fallout from the Coldplay “kiss cam” scandal at Gillette Stadium took a dramatic turn. The board of Privateer Rum, a Massachusetts-based distillery, reportedly received an anonymous envelope containing 13 still images from the viral moment that exposed an intimate embrace between Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot. Among these stills, one allegedly shows a bracelet belonging to Megan Kerrigan Byron, Andy Byron’s wife, clenched in Kristin Cabot’s fist, adding a provocative twist to an already explosive controversy. This development raises questions about the motives behind the anonymous delivery, the implications for Privateer Rum’s leadership, and the deepening personal and professional consequences for all involved.
The Coldplay Kiss Cam Incident Recap
The scandal originated on July 16, 2025, during a Coldplay concert in Boston, when the stadium’s jumbotron captured Andy Byron, then-CEO of Astronomer, a $1.3 billion AI and data startup, in a close embrace with Kristin Cabot, the company’s HR chief. The moment, amplified by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin’s quip, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy,” went viral, garnering over 45 million views on TikTok and X. The footage showed Byron ducking out of frame and Cabot shielding her face, fueling speculation of an extramarital affair. Byron, married to educator Megan Kerrigan Byron, and Cabot, reportedly married to Privateer Rum CEO Andrew Cabot, faced immediate backlash.
Astronomer responded swiftly, placing both executives on leave on July 18 and announcing Byron’s resignation on July 19. The company also debunked a purported apology letter attributed to Byron, calling it a fabrication. Meanwhile, Megan Kerrigan removed “Byron” from her social media handles and deactivated her accounts, signaling personal distress. Kristin Cabot, who joined Astronomer in 2024, has remained silent, as has her husband, Andrew Cabot. The anonymous envelope received by Privateer Rum’s board now escalates the scandal, drawing the distillery into the fray.
The Anonymous Envelope and the Bracelet Claim
According to sources close to Privateer Rum, the board received an anonymous package on July 21, 2025, containing 13 high-resolution stills from the Coldplay kiss cam footage. These images, presumably extracted from the viral video or additional unreleased footage, capture various angles of Byron and Cabot’s embrace. The most striking still allegedly shows a bracelet—identified as belonging to Megan Kerrigan Byron—clenched in Kristin Cabot’s fist. The bracelet, described as a distinctive silver charm piece frequently worn by Megan in family photos posted on her now-deleted Facebook page, has sparked intense speculation about how it ended up in Cabot’s possession during the concert.
The anonymous delivery has raised eyebrows within Privateer Rum’s leadership. The company, founded by Andrew Cabot, a descendant of an 18th-century rum distiller and privateer, prides itself on its heritage and authenticity, with high-end bottles retailing for over $100. The board, already under pressure due to Kristin Cabot’s advisory role since 2020, now faces questions about whether this incident impacts the company’s reputation or Andrew Cabot’s leadership. The inclusion of Megan’s bracelet in the stills suggests a deliberate attempt to escalate the scandal, possibly to provoke legal or personal action from Megan or to pressure Privateer Rum into addressing Kristin Cabot’s involvement.
Implications for Privateer Rum and Andrew Cabot
Andrew Cabot, CEO and COO of Privateer Rum, has remained silent on the scandal, as has the company. Property records confirm that he and Kristin Cabot purchased a $2.2 million home in Rye, New Hampshire, in February 2025, indicating a stable marriage at the time. Kristin’s role on Privateer Rum’s advisory board, noted on her now-deleted LinkedIn profile, ties her professional reputation to the company, making the anonymous stills a potential liability. The board’s receipt of the images could prompt an internal review of Kristin’s involvement, especially if the bracelet claim suggests premeditation or personal animosity in the scandal.
The bracelet’s appearance in the stills is particularly inflammatory. If authentic, it could imply that Kristin Cabot knowingly possessed an item belonging to Megan Kerrigan, potentially escalating tensions between the parties. Legal experts speculate that Megan could use this evidence to strengthen a divorce case against Andy Byron, citing emotional distress and public humiliation. Under New York’s divorce laws, where the Byrons reside, Megan could claim a significant portion of Andy’s estimated $60–70 million net worth, including stock options in Astronomer. The bracelet’s presence might also fuel public sympathy for Megan, who has already garnered support on X, with users praising her dignity and urging her to pursue legal action.
Megan Kerrigan’s Response and Public Sentiment
Megan Kerrigan Byron, an Associate Director at the Bancroft School in Massachusetts, has become a sympathetic figure in the scandal. After the kiss cam video went viral, she dropped “Byron” from her Facebook handle and deactivated her social media accounts, which had featured family photos with Andy and their two children. The revelation of her bracelet in the stills has intensified online support, with X posts describing her as a “class act” and encouraging her to “get that divorce lawyer.” The bracelet’s significance—potentially a sentimental item—adds a personal layer to the public humiliation she has endured.
The anonymous envelope’s delivery to Privateer Rum’s board suggests a targeted effort to expose or punish those involved. Theories on X speculate that the sender could be a disgruntled employee, a rival, or even someone close to Megan seeking to amplify her case. The lack of clarity about the sender’s identity keeps the narrative speculative, but the bracelet’s presence has shifted focus to Kristin Cabot’s actions, raising questions about her intentions at the concert.
Corporate and Legal Ramifications
For Privateer Rum, the scandal threatens its carefully curated brand image. The company’s emphasis on heritage and authenticity could be undermined by association with a high-profile controversy. Andrew Cabot’s silence may reflect a strategy to avoid further media attention, but the board’s receipt of the stills could force a response, especially if Kristin’s advisory role is deemed a conflict of interest. Astronomer’s swift action against Byron and Cabot sets a precedent that Privateer Rum may need to follow to maintain credibility.
Legally, the bracelet could complicate matters for both Byron and Cabot. If Megan pursues a divorce, the stills could serve as evidence of infidelity, strengthening her claim to alimony and asset division. For Kristin Cabot, the bracelet’s presence might suggest personal involvement beyond a workplace relationship, potentially impacting her marriage to Andrew Cabot or her professional standing. Neither party has commented publicly, and Privateer Rum has not responded to inquiries, per reports from Men’s Journal and The New York Post.
Critical Analysis and Unanswered Questions
The anonymous envelope adds a layer of intrigue to an already volatile situation, but its authenticity and motives remain unclear. The bracelet claim, while compelling, lacks independent verification, and the stills have not been publicly released. The sender’s anonymity suggests a desire to influence events without direct accountability, possibly to provoke legal action or corporate fallout. The incident highlights the power of viral media to amplify personal moments, often at the expense of those involved, and raises ethical questions about public shaming and corporate responsibility.
The scandal also underscores the blurred lines between personal and professional conduct for high-profile executives. Astronomer’s rapid response contrasts with Privateer Rum’s silence, reflecting different approaches to crisis management. The bracelet’s alleged presence in Cabot’s fist could be a fabrication or a deliberate plant, but its inclusion in the narrative intensifies scrutiny on all parties, particularly Kristin Cabot, whose role at both Astronomer and Privateer Rum ties her to multiple stakeholders.
Conclusion
The anonymous delivery of 13 kiss cam stills to Privateer Rum’s board, including one allegedly showing Megan Kerrigan’s bracelet in Kristin Cabot’s fist, has escalated the Coldplay scandal into new territory. The images deepen the personal and professional stakes for Andy Byron, Kristin Cabot, and their respective spouses, while drawing Privateer Rum into a controversy it has so far avoided. As Megan Kerrigan navigates public sympathy and potential legal action, and Privateer Rum grapples with its board’s next steps, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of public exposure in the digital age. The truth behind the bracelet and the anonymous sender remains elusive, but the scandal’s impact on reputations, marriages, and corporate brands is undeniable.
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The pair were seen hugging and swaying to the music as the crowd lights up the stadium with their phones
TECH boss Andy Byron and his HR chief were spotted “all over each other” moments before they were caught on a kiss cam at a Coldplay gig.
Filmed from behind their seats, footage obtained by TMZ shows the pair silhouetted by stage lights as Coldplay performed “Yellow” at Boston’s Gillette Stadium.
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A video obtained by TMZ appears to show the pair kissing (centre) during Coldplay’s concertCredit: TMZ
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The moment Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot appeared on Coldplay’s ‘kiss cam’Credit: tiktok/instaagraace
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Mr Byron dived to hide behind the barrier while Cabot turned and covered her faceCredit: tiktok/instaagraace
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The moment Chris Martin spots the alleged affair on the kiss camCredit: @calebu2/TMX
In the new video, Byron and Kristin Cabot are seen hugging and swaying to the music while the crowd lights up the stadium with their phones.
At one point, the tech boss leans in to kiss Cabot — suggesting the behaviour captured on the kiss cam wasn’t a one-off.
They appear relaxed and affectionate — a stark contrast to the panicked expressions seen when the kiss cam later caught them on the jumbotron.
“They were all over each other even when they weren’t on the kiss-cam,” TMZ claimed.
“This rear-view shows a much more intimate interaction.”
An earlier video captured the pair visibly shocked as they appeared on the stadium’s kiss cam.
Chris Martin, Coldplay’s frontman, commented live on stage: “They’re either having an affair… or they’re very shy.”
Seconds later, Byron dropped his arm and ducked behind a barrier while Cabot covered her face.
As he caught view of himself, Byron appeared to say “f****** hell, it’s me”.
Martin added, laughing nervously: “Oh s***, I hope we didn’t do something bad.”
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A night later, Martin cracked a joke with another couple on the kiss cam after accidentally catching the tech boss allegedly cheating with his HR chief.
The fan who captured the original kiss cam moment told The U.S. Sun she had no idea the couple were senior tech executives.
She said: “I just thought I caught an interesting reaction to the kiss cam and decided to post it. A part of me feels bad… but, play stupid games, win stupid prizes.”
Even longer footage has since dropped, showing the full reaction of panicked “mistress” Kristin Cabot.
Further revelations have since emerged claiming Cabot is still married to another powerful CEO.
Property records obtained by the Daily Mail from earlier this year list the couple as “husband and wife”.
Her wedding ring was not visible during the Coldplay concert.
Byron is also married. His wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, has since removed his surname from her social media accounts before deleting them altogether.
Neither Byron nor Cabot has responded to media requests for comment.
Both executives have been placed on leave, Axios reports, with Byron said to be negotiating an exit package.
Astronomer confirmed the suspensions and launched a formal investigation shortly after the incident.
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Astronomer made a statementCredit: LinkedIn
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Andy Byron has worked at the tech firm for more than two yearsCredit: LinkedIn
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Kristin Cabot is Astronomer’s Chief People OfficerCredit: LinkedIn
The company said: “Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding.
“The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.”
The firm has also named co-founder Pete DeJoy as interim CEO.
Byron had been CEO of Astronomer – valued at over $1.3billion – since July 2023.
Cabot, who goes by Kristin Cabot Thornby on LinkedIn, joined as Chief People Officer nine months ago.
When Cabot was appointed, Byron called her a “proven leader” with “exceptional leadership and deep expertise in talent management.”
Cabot previously boasted on her LinkedIn profile that she “wins trust with employees of all levels, from CEOs to managers to assistants.”
The scandal has triggered widespread attention even among former employees.
One ex-colleague told The New York Post that group chats were exploding as people were “laughing their a** off” after seeing Byron caught on camera.
The executive was described as a “sales-obsessed” leader with a reportedly “toxic” management style.
Social media has also been flooded with memes and fake statements from Byron and Coldplay.
A fake post attributed to Coldplay suggested they would introduce “camera-free zones” for concertgoers with “sidepieces.”
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Byron (Green sweater) pictured with Cabot (Right)
