Boston-based entrepreneur and Privateer Rum CEO Andrew Cabot is coming forward after the conclusion of his marriage to Kristin Cabot, who became a celebrity earlier this summer when she was spotted on film with her employer at a Coldplay concert.
The viral moment came in July when company then-chiefe people officer Kristin appeared on the venue’s “kiss cam” with company CEO Andy Byron. The couple’s response – she quickly looked away as he ducked out of frame – was immediate fodder for speculation online. Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin even quipped at the concert that “either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”
In August, Kristin formally petitioned for divorce in New Hampshire, and she and Byron subsequently left Astronomer. They followed weeks of public criticism, memes, and widespread Internet commentary, which blurred the lines of private and viral culture.
And now, Andrew Cabot, 61, has spoken out. In a statement released to PEOPLE by a spokeswoman, he explained that he and Kristin had long before privately separated when they attended the concert together. “Their divorce had already been in process before that night,” said the spokeswoman. “Now that the divorce filing has been made public, Andrew hopes this brings dignified closure to gossip and gives his family the privacy they’ve always cherished.”
The two, who are not married with kids, had been married for a number of years. Andrew has children from a previous relationship. Kristin has refused to comment on the matter publicly, as has Byron.
The viral tale ignited fierce controversy about digital-age privacy, as many wondered whether private lives should be used as grist for national interest because of a concert video clip. NBC News and others wrote about how internet users tried to locate and post personal information about both families, fueling the storm.
The incident also left Data and AI startup Astronomer facing the consequences of unexpected fame. In a statement by the company, interim CEO Pete DeJoy recognized the unprecedented attention, describing the events as receiving “a level of media attention that few companies, let alone startups in our small corner of the data and AI world, ever encounter.” He further noted that through it all, the team showed resilience.
Though the Internet hysteria has died down, the Cabots’ divorce remains in the public eye as a demonstration of how intimate lives turn instantly public in the age of viral culture.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
