Kristin Cabot Speaks Out: “I Was a Victim of Andy Byron’s Power”

In a dramatic turn in the unfolding scandal involving Astronomer executives Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot, Cabot has broken her silence—claiming that her involvement with Byron was not consensual in the way the public has assumed.

In a statement released through her legal team early Monday morning, Cabot described a workplace dynamic that she says was “defined by imbalance, manipulation, and emotional pressure.”

“Despite what the video suggests, what happened between myself and Mr. Byron was not the product of a mutual romantic relationship,” Cabot wrote. “I felt coerced, not through threats, but through power—his control over my career, my professional standing, and the work environment I depended on.”

Public Perception vs. Private Reality

The video that ignited the controversy—showing Cabot and Byron in a close embrace at a Coldplay concert—led to widespread media coverage and even public commentary by actor Keanu Reeves, who condemned the relationship as unethical and urged accountability. The embrace had been interpreted by many as evidence of a consensual affair.

However, Cabot now insists that the moment captured on video was a small fragment of a much longer, more complicated story.

“People see 10 seconds of footage and think they understand everything. But there is so much the public didn’t see—like the months of pressure, the veiled consequences for setting boundaries, and the constant confusion of being professionally praised one day and personally manipulated the next.”

Power Imbalance at the Heart

Cabot, Chief Product Officer of Astronomer, reported directly to Byron for over two years. In her statement, she claims that Byron gradually blurred the lines between mentorship, professional expectations, and personal interest.

“At first, I thought he believed in me. Then I realized that belief came with conditions I hadn’t agreed to,” she said.

Cabot has filed an internal complaint and is reportedly cooperating with legal counsel to evaluate next steps. Sources within Astronomer confirm that the board has launched an independent investigation.

Byron Denies Allegations

Andy Byron’s legal team issued a brief response Monday afternoon, firmly denying the allegations.

“Mr. Byron maintains that any interaction with Ms. Cabot was consensual and based on mutual respect. He is shocked by these claims and will respond through the appropriate legal channels.”

Company, Public, and Keanu Respond

Astronomer has yet to release an official statement but is reportedly under growing pressure from both investors and employees to address workplace culture and leadership oversight.

Keanu Reeves, when contacted for a follow-up comment, said only, “If there is even a chance that power was abused here, then I stand with the victim.”

Public sentiment is now shifting, with many online users expressing sympathy toward Cabot and reevaluating their earlier assumptions.

The story that began as a scandalous viral video has now evolved into a conversation about gender, consent, and corporate power—one with far-reaching implications for workplace culture in tech and beyond.