New York, July 18, 2025 – The internet is ablaze with speculation following a viral moment at a Coldplay concert in Boston on July 16, 2025, where Astronomer CEO Andy Byron was caught on a kiss cam in a cozy embrace with the company’s Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot. The incident, dubbed “Coldplaygate,” has sparked rumors of an extramarital affair, with Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan, dropping “Byron” from her social media profiles and deleting her Facebook account, fueling speculation of an impending divorce.
If the divorce rumors prove true, Andy Byron, head of the $1.3 billion-valued data infrastructure company Astronomer, could face one of the costliest alimony settlements in recent memory. While Byron’s exact net worth remains undisclosed, his status as one of Ohio’s highest-paid executives, as reported by The Economic Times, suggests a substantial payout could be on the horizon for Megan Kerrigan, a well-known teacher and mother of their two children.
Legal experts note that under New York law, where the couple resides, factors such as the length of the marriage, the disparity in earning potential, and the lifestyle the couple maintained will influence any potential settlement. Without evidence of a prenuptial agreement, Megan could be entitled to significant spousal support and a share of marital assets, potentially reaching millions, given Byron’s high-income status and Astronomer’s valuation.
Here’s a look at five of the costliest alimony settlements in recent history, which could serve as a benchmark for what Byron might face:Bill Gates and Melinda Gates (2021) – The most expensive divorce settlement on record, Melinda Gates received an estimated $76 billion (inflation-adjusted to $86.7 billion in 2025). The couple’s vast wealth, accumulated through Microsoft, set a precedent for high-profile splits.
Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott (2019) – MacKenzie Scott walked away with $38 billion (inflation-adjusted to $46.7 billion in 2025) in Amazon stock, making it one of the largest settlements ever. The divorce was amicable, with Scott later becoming a prominent philanthropist.
Alec and Jocelyn Wildenstein (1999) – This high-profile divorce in the 1990s resulted in a $3.8 billion settlement (adjusted to $6.7 billion in 2025). Jocelyn’s lavish lifestyle and Alec’s art empire fortune contributed to the massive payout.
Rupert Murdoch and Anna de Peyster (1999) – Anna de Peyster received $1.7 billion from media mogul Rupert Murdoch, a settlement that remains one of the largest of its era, driven by Murdoch’s extensive media holdings.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West (2022) – While not in the billions, Kim Kardashian secured $200,000 per month in child support following her divorce from Kanye West, highlighting how even non-billionaires can face significant ongoing payments.
The Coldplaygate scandal erupted when Byron and Cabot, who joined Astronomer in November 2024, were spotted on the jumbotron at Gillette Stadium, prompting Coldplay frontman Chris Martin to quip, “Oh look at these two… either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy.” The pair’s frantic attempts to hide—Byron diving behind a barrier and Cabot covering her face—only amplified speculation, with the clip garnering over 34 million views across social media platforms like TikTok, X, and Reddit.
Astronomer has since broken its silence, confirming that a viral apology statement attributed to Byron was fake and announcing that the company’s Board of Directors has launched a formal investigation into the matter. The company also clarified that employee Alyssa Stoddard, falsely identified by some as being in the video, was not present at the concert. Neither Byron nor Cabot has issued a public statement, and Byron has reportedly scrubbed his social media profiles.
Posts on X suggest that Byron and Cabot have been placed on leave, though this remains unconfirmed by official sources. Social media sentiment has largely rallied behind Megan Kerrigan, with users expressing sympathy and speculating that a divorce could lead to a significant financial settlement. One X user remarked, “Bro definitely had the MOST expensive concert experience ever.”
As the Coldplaygate saga unfolds, the tech world and social media users alike are watching closely to see whether this viral moment will lead to one of the tech industry’s most expensive divorces. For now, Megan Kerrigan remains silent, but her social media actions speak volumes, hinting at a potential legal battle that could rival some of the costliest settlements in history.
