“They FIRED me for seeing what I wasn’t supposed to see.”
Astronomer Employee Exposes Secret Coldplay Concert Affair Between CEO and HR Boss — Sues for $30 Million Over Retaliation and Toxic Culture

What started as a seemingly innocent team-building night out has exploded into a corporate scandal shaking the tech world. A former event planner at Astronomer, a data orchestration company, is suing the company for $30 million, alleging wrongful termination, a toxic work environment, and executive misconduct.

The explosive claim? The planner says they were fired for witnessing a secret romantic affair between CEO Andy Byron and HR chief Kristin Cabot—caught in the act at a Coldplay concert, which, ironically, the planner had helped coordinate and book as part of an internal employee engagement initiative.
“They fired me for seeing what I wasn’t supposed to see,” the ex-employee said, according to legal filings.
Sources close to the matter say the planner noticed “inappropriate behavior” between the executives during the event, prompting whispers across the team. Within days of the concert, the employee was abruptly terminated without clear explanation.
In the lawsuit, the former planner alleges:
- A toxic workplace culture rooted in favoritism and executive protection
- Retaliatory dismissal for accidentally uncovering an inappropriate relationship
- Emotional distress and career sabotage
The complaint paints a picture of a company more concerned with protecting its top brass than fostering accountability. As word spread internally, former co-founders reportedly distanced themselves from Astronomer’s current leadership. Meanwhile, insiders hint at “deeper rot” within the company’s executive ranks.
The lawsuit is already making waves in tech circles, raising questions about ethics, transparency, and the protection (or lack thereof) of whistleblowers in startup culture.
“This isn’t just about one concert or one affair—it’s about a culture that punishes those who speak up,” the plaintiff’s attorney stated.
As of now, Astronomer has not released an official statement regarding the lawsuit.
📸 Credit: QN-HIVTAN
Source: Alex Cohen
Would you like help drafting a follow-up or social media post to go with this?