Can Ex-Astronomer CEO Andy Bryon Take Legal Action Against Coldplay Over Kiss Cam Incident? Lawyers Share Insights
Attorneys are now analysing whether Bryon has any legal basis to file a case against Coldplay or the concert organisers.
Andy Bryon, the ex-CEO of the tech start-up Astronomer, recently became the focal point of a surprising controversy—one that has impacted both his career and personal reputation. The episode, which took place at a Coldplay concert on July 16 at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, quickly went viral, stirring debate and potential legal implications.
During the event, Bryon was shown on the venue’s kiss cam appearing to share an intimate moment with Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s Chief People Officer. Things took a turn when Coldplay’s frontman, Chris Martin, made a comment mid-show: “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.” Right after the camera zoomed in, Bryon quickly sat down and Cabot turned her face away. The video spread widely online, and within a few days, Astronomer replaced Bryon as CEO and put Cabot on temporary leave.
Attorneys are now considering whether Bryon has a legitimate case against Coldplay or those who organised the concert. Speaking to Page Six, Camron Dowlatshahi of MSD Lawyers said that while a defamation case might be brought forward, Bryon would need to get “creative” with his legal arguments.
“If we’re thinking outside the box, a possible lawsuit could involve defamation, especially concerning Chris Martin’s remark suggesting they were having an ‘affair,’” Dowlatshahi explained. Still, Bryon would have to demonstrate that the comment was untrue and caused harm.
A separate exclusive from Rob Shuter, citing inside sources, claimed Bryon is evaluating legal options for “emotional distress” and “violation of privacy,” stating that he “didn’t agree to being filmed or publicly ridiculed.” The source also added, “He believes Coldplay turned him into a meme.”
However, other legal analysts are doubtful. Ray Seilie, a lawyer at Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir LLP, noted that individuals typically have “no right to privacy in a public venue,” particularly since concert tickets often include broad disclaimers regarding filming and promotional use.
Though Coldplay hasn’t made any official statement on the potential defamation case, insiders close to the band told Shuter that Martin “laughed out loud” upon hearing that he might be sued over the incident.
