Can Former CEO Andy Byron Legally Go After Coldplay? Lawyers Weigh In

Following a highly publicized incident at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts on July 16, speculation has arisen over whether former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron might pursue legal action against the band. The buzz began after concert footage captured Byron in an uncomfortable on-screen moment with Astronomer employee Kristen Cabot, which was displayed on the venue’s jumbotron and later went viral on TikTok.

The clip, which sparked heavy backlash online, appeared to show Byron embracing Cabot during the performance. The public fallout was swift and severe—just days later, Byron stepped down from his executive role.

In a statement released via social media, Astronomer addressed the controversy, emphasizing the company’s commitment to ethical leadership:
“Our company was founded on a set of core values and a culture we take seriously. Leadership must reflect those standards. In this case, those expectations were not upheld.”

The announcement continued, stating that Byron had officially resigned and that co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy would serve as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent replacement.

Neither Byron nor Cabot have made any public statements regarding the incident.

With the video triggering both ridicule and serious career consequences for Byron, online observers have questioned whether he could sue Coldplay for damages to his reputation. But according to legal professionals, such a case wouldn’t stand a chance in court.

“There’s no viable claim here,” said Ron Zambrano, an attorney with West Coast Employment Lawyers, in comments shared with The Mirror. “Byron wouldn’t have a leg to stand on legally. This would be dismissed immediately under protections for artistic expression. And besides, they attended a public event—there’s no expectation of privacy in that setting.”

Attorney Tre Lovell, who specializes in entertainment and civil law at The Lovell Firm, agreed. “When you’re in a public space, you give up most privacy rights when it comes to being filmed or photographed. What you can’t do is have your image used for profit or misrepresented in a damaging way—but that’s not what happened here.”

Lovell added that there was nothing defamatory or commercially exploitative in the video’s use, meaning Byron has no basis for legal retaliation.

In short, while the viral encounter may have ended Byron’s tenure at Astronomer, legal experts agree he has little, if any, legal grounds to pursue action against Coldplay.