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The hug that could cost over 30 million pounds! How much will the Astronomer CEO be asked to pay in divorce case for viral betrayal
2025-07-19 18:19:04 / SHOWBIZ
The viral hug that exposed the Astronomer CEO's infidelity could cost Andy Byron over £30 million if his wife, who removed his surname from social media, files for divorce.
The tech company's CEO was caught making out with HR chief Kristin Cabot, 56, at a Coldplay concert, with the moment the pair embraced was captured on the big screen of the Kiss Cam.
The pair are married, but to other people. If his wife files for divorce, this "moment of weakness" could prove to be one of the most costly mistakes of his life. The 50-year-old is estimated to have a fortune of £60 million.
In addition to his marital assets, he is the head of a billion-pound Artificial Intelligence firm, Astronomer.
Andy's wife, Megan Kerrigan, first removed her married name "Byron" from her Facebook page online and then deleted the account entirely after people posted messages of support on her page. Her Instagram account has also been deleted.
The public revelation that led to a crisisA Coldplay concert in Boston, a packed stadium, an excited audience and the famous “kissing camera” scanning couples in the crowd.
When the lens focused on Byron and his company’s human resources manager, Christine Cabot, the crowd laughed and applauded. But they didn’t laugh at all. As they realized their image was being broadcast live, they froze, hid and ran away. But it was too late.
The video of the moment quickly spread on social media, reaching tens of millions of views.
It was no longer a private story, but a public spectacle. And the consequences began to be seen.
Andy Byron's wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, immediately removed his last name from her social media accounts and then deleted all of her accounts.
While it is not yet known whether he has filed for divorce, signs point to a relationship that is rapidly deteriorating.
Andy Byron is the CEO of Astronomer, a fast-growing artificial intelligence startup valued at £1 billion. In addition to a hefty salary and bonus, he is thought to own shares worth 5% of the company's value, around £50 million.
Taking into account his already accumulated wealth and cash earnings over the past two years, his total personal wealth is estimated at around £60 million.
In the event of divorce, and provided there is no prenuptial agreement, British law provides for an equal division of assets acquired during the marriage.
This means that his wife could claim up to 50% of his assets, that is, up to 30 million pounds.
Risk of losing shares and reputation
The biggest problem for Byron is not just his personal wealth, but also how the scandal affects his position in the company.
The Astronomer board has already launched a formal internal investigation, as its relationship with Cabot appears to conflict with the principles of transparency and professionalism that the company claims to represent.
Shares are not a vested right. They can be withdrawn or revoked, especially if the CEO is found to have acted unethically or exposed the company.
His involvement with a senior executive, and in particular the head of human resources, who plays a key role in shaping the company's culture, makes the situation even more complicated.
The public outpouring of support for his wife was immediate. “Go, Megan. Get the lawyer and get the money,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). People don’t easily forgive hypocrisy, especially when it’s accompanied by displays of power and arrogance.
Byron herself had spoken highly of Cabot when she was hired at Astronomer, saying she “brings deep experience in talent management.” She wrote on LinkedIn that she was “thrilled by the conversations with Andy.”
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