Unseen Messages and a Secret DNA Test: The Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot Scandal Deepens

On July 16, 2025, a seemingly innocent moment at a Coldplay concert in Boston’s Gillette Stadium sparked a global media firestorm. Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot were caught on the event’s “kiss cam,” their cozy embrace broadcast to a crowd of 60,000 and later viewed by millions online. The viral moment, amplified by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin’s quip, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy,” thrust the pair into the spotlight, raising questions about workplace ethics and personal betrayal. Now, new revelations have emerged, including 30 unseen messages allegedly exchanged between Byron and Cabot, one of which shockingly refers to Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan, as “Plan C” and hints at a secret DNA test result. This article delves into the scandal, the messages, and their implications, exploring the fallout for all involved.

The Coldplay Kiss Cam Incident

The incident unfolded during Coldplay’s concert when the kiss cam panned to Byron, 50, with his arms wrapped around Cabot, also 50. The pair’s immediate reaction—Byron ducking behind a barrier and Cabot covering her face—suggested discomfort, fueling speculation of an extramarital affair. Social media erupted, with the video amassing over 45 million views on TikTok alone. Internet sleuths quickly identified Byron as the married CEO of Astronomer, a New York-based data infrastructure company valued at $1.3 billion, and Cabot as its Chief People Officer, who joined in November 2024.

Byron is married to Megan Kerrigan, an educator and Associate Director at Bancroft School in Massachusetts, with whom he shares two teenage sons. The public nature of the incident led to intense scrutiny, particularly for Kerrigan, who faced a deluge of sympathetic and critical comments on her social media. Within hours, she dropped “Byron” from her Facebook profile and deactivated her account, signaling potential marital strain.

The Unseen Messages: A Deeper Betrayal?

The scandal took a darker turn with the reported leak of 30 private messages allegedly exchanged between Byron and Cabot. These messages, which surfaced on various social media platforms but remain unverified, paint a complex picture of their relationship. One message, in particular, has drawn significant attention: a reference to Megan Kerrigan as “Plan C.” This cryptic phrase has sparked widespread speculation, with some interpreting it as a dismissive or strategic reference to Kerrigan in the context of Byron’s personal or professional plans. The mention of a “secret DNA test result” in another message has further fueled intrigue, raising questions about potential family secrets or undisclosed personal matters.

While the authenticity of these messages has not been confirmed, their content suggests a level of intimacy and secrecy between Byron and Cabot that extends beyond the kiss cam moment. The term “Plan C” could imply that Kerrigan was a fallback option or part of a broader scheme, though the exact meaning remains unclear. The DNA test reference has led to rampant online theories, ranging from paternity disputes to health-related revelations, but no concrete evidence has emerged to substantiate these claims.

Megan Kerrigan’s Response and Public Sympathy

Megan Kerrigan, a respected educator known for her work with students with language-based learning differences, has largely remained silent amid the controversy. Her actions, however, speak volumes. After the kiss cam video went viral, she removed “Byron” from her social media handle, a move interpreted by many as a public distancing from her husband. By July 17, 2025, she had deactivated her Facebook and Instagram accounts, overwhelmed by comments ranging from support to pity.

A new Facebook account under Kerrigan’s name emerged on July 19, gaining over 7,600 followers in two days. A post attributed to her, though unverified, expressed raw emotion: “The betrayal wasn’t just personal, it was public. The whispers, the DMs, the posts, the pity… it all felt like too much. I needed silence. I needed space.” Another post, circulating on social media but not directly linked to her verified account, stated, “I will take my children and leave this repulsive man behind,” hinting at a potential decision to end her marriage.

Public reaction has largely been sympathetic to Kerrigan. Social media users, particularly on X, have praised her dignity, with one user stating, “Go Megan. Get that divorce lawyer and get the money.” Others have criticized Byron and Cabot for their apparent lack of discretion, with comments like, “If she’s the Chief People Officer, does she run the misconduct meeting for herself?”

Corporate Fallout and Ethical Questions

The scandal has significant implications for Astronomer, a company that prides itself on its culture and values. Byron, who became CEO in July 2023, resigned on July 20, 2025, following an internal investigation launched by the company’s Board of Directors. A company representative stated, “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.” Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy was named interim CEO.

Cabot, who joined Astronomer with a reputation for fostering inclusive workplaces, has also faced scrutiny. Her role as Chief People Officer places her at the center of workplace ethics, making the allegations particularly damaging. A resurfaced photo from May 2025 shows her wearing a wedding ring alongside her apparent husband, Andrew Cabot, though earlier reports suggested she divorced Kenneth Thornby in 2022. This discrepancy has added further complexity to her personal narrative.

The leaked messages, if authentic, raise serious questions about workplace boundaries and the ethical responsibilities of executives. The reference to “Plan C” and a DNA test could suggest premeditated actions or undisclosed conflicts of interest, potentially violating corporate governance standards. Astronomer has not commented on the messages specifically, but the company’s swift response in launching an investigation and accepting Byron’s resignation indicates a recognition of the scandal’s severity.

The Role of Social Media and Public Perception

The rapid spread of the kiss cam video and the subsequent leak of the alleged messages highlight the power of social media in shaping public narratives. Filmed by 28-year-old Coldplay fan Grace Springer, the video became a global phenomenon, overshadowing other news and sparking debates about privacy, accountability, and the consequences of public exposure. Springer herself commented, “A part of me feels bad for turning these people’s lives upside down, but, play stupid games… win stupid prizes.”

The scandal has also inspired creative responses, including a playable online game based on the kiss cam incident and references to it in popular culture, such as comparisons to Simpsons episodes. These reactions underscore the incident’s cultural impact, transforming a fleeting moment into a cautionary tale about public behavior and professional responsibility.

Unanswered Questions and Future Implications

As of July 21, 2025, neither Byron nor Cabot has issued a public statement addressing the messages or the DNA test allegations. The lack of clarity leaves room for speculation, particularly regarding the nature of the DNA test and its connection to “Plan C.” Was it related to paternity, health, or another personal matter? Without verified information, these questions remain unanswered, but they continue to drive online discourse.

For Megan Kerrigan, the path forward is uncertain. Her social media actions suggest a desire for privacy and a possible intent to separate from Byron, though no formal divorce announcement has been made. The financial implications of a potential divorce are significant, given Byron’s estimated net worth of $20–70 million.

Astronomer faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with its employees, investors, and clients. The company’s swift leadership transition and investigation signal a commitment to accountability, but the long-term impact on its reputation remains to be seen. For Byron and Cabot, the scandal serves as a stark reminder of the blurred lines between personal and professional lives in the digital age.

Conclusion

The Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot scandal, sparked by a Coldplay kiss cam and deepened by the alleged leak of 30 private messages, has captivated public attention. The reference to Megan Kerrigan as “Plan C” and a secret DNA test result has added layers of intrigue, raising questions about trust, betrayal, and corporate ethics. As the story continues to unfold, it underscores the unpredictable power of social media and the enduring consequences of public actions for private lives. For now, Megan Kerrigan’s silence and the company’s response speak louder than any official statement, leaving the world watching for what comes next.