‘Unusual and Surreal’: New Astronomer CEO Breaks Silence After Coldplay Concert Video Fallout
In the wake of a viral video controversy that led to the sudden resignation of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron, the company’s interim chief, Pete DeJoy, has issued a public statement addressing the intense scrutiny the firm has faced over the past few days.
The controversy stemmed from a video showing the company’s HR head, Kristin Cabot, at a Coldplay concert, which triggered backlash online and ultimately contributed to Byron’s exit. The unexpected episode catapulted the Cincinnati-based data and AI startup into the national spotlight — a position few startups ever encounter.
In a LinkedIn post, DeJoy described the situation as “unusual and surreal,” adding that it was not the way he would have chosen for Astronomer to gain recognition.
“The events of the past few days have received a level of media attention that few companies — let alone startups in our small corner of the data and AI world — ever encounter,” he wrote.
He acknowledged the public interest but said it came at a cost:
“The spotlight has been unusual and surreal for our team and, while I would never have wished for it to happen like this, Astronomer is now a household name.”
Despite the controversy, DeJoy struck a resilient and forward-looking tone, highlighting the company’s endurance through past challenges.
“From starting a software company in Cincinnati, Ohio, to keeping the lights on through the collapse of the bank that held all our cash, to scaling from 30 to 300 people during a global pandemic that demanded we do it all without ever being in the same room. And yet, we’re still here.”
He attributed the company’s perseverance to its people — a team, he said, that “lives to solve hard problems, stays late to fix what’s broken, and cares deeply about doing things the right way.”
Closing his message, DeJoy reaffirmed his commitment to stability and leadership, saying he’s focused on guiding the company through this unexpected moment and continuing its mission in the AI and data space.
The viral video — and its corporate fallout — has sparked wider conversations around employee conduct, workplace culture, and the blurred lines between personal moments and public perception in the social media era.
While the full implications of the incident are still unfolding, DeJoy’s message marks the company’s first major step toward damage control and renewed focus.
