When Astronomer CEO (now ex-CEO) Andy Byron starred on a kiss cam at a Coldplay concert, it sparked a scandal that immediately went viral. Caught canoodling with the company HR chief, Kristin Cabot, on the jumbotron, he resigned in short order, his marriage teetered on the brink of collapse, and the town buzzed with legal questions: Can a public kiss lead to divorce? Could it cost him half his fortune? Is the kiss-cam moment enough to push a marriage over the edge, legally speaking?
In this blog, we answer these questions for anyone who’s facing similar crossroads, and we promise to be light on judgment but heavy on the legal facts.
Jumbotron caught you in the act? In a no-fault state for divorce, who cares?
The viral moment at the Coldplay concert didn’t just set off group chats; it could also set off a costly divorce.
Both Byron and his wife live in Massachusetts (where the concert took place). Incidentally, Massachusetts state law allows courts to consider fault, including infidelity, when dividing assets. Note that in The Bay State, a divorce can be filed as fault or no-fault. And because the state follows equitable distribution rules, a judge could award Byron’s wife a larger share of his $20–70 million fortune based on the circumstances of the affair, especially if marital funds were involved.
In Washington State, the situation wouldn’t be nearly as juicy, legally speaking. Washington is a no-fault, community property state, meaning everything acquired during the marriage is typically split 50/50, regardless of who cheated, or whether it went viral in front of thousands of Coldplay fans.
Does infidelity cut your alimony?
Not directly.
In California, alimony hinges on marriage length, income disparity, and lifestyle during marriage, not who kissed whom on a giant TV in a public space. Unless marital finances funded the affair, a public display won’t reduce alimony outcomes. This is where California’s no-fault system shines.
What about custody?
Regarding custody, the children’s best interests take center stage. Getting caught in a kiss-cam moment is undoubtedly embarrassing for the kids, but it doesn’t make you unfit to be a parent. Courts won’t penalize someone for one particularly bad night at a concert or any public event. They’ll look at stability, safety, and caregiving instead.
Prenup, adultery clauses and financial fallout
Did Byron sign a prenup in another state? Maybe.
In states with adultery-penalty clauses, spouses may lose some assets, but courts often resist enforcing “cheating clauses” in prenups. If Byron and his wife had one, it could factor into the settlement, but equally, a savvy prenup may include protections that kick in here.
Public shaming ≠ legal case (but it hurts)
Byron reportedly thought about suing Coldplay’s Chris Martin or the venue for defamation or invasion of privacy. But his chances of success are slim to none. As lawyers noted, he had no reasonable expectation of privacy at a public event, and Chris Martin’s joke wasn’t false.
Defamation requires falsity and malice, and based on what millions of people saw, Byron and Cabot are going to majorly struggle because it was plain to see what was happening.
Does corporate misstep automatically result in a workplace lawsuit?
When your CEO and your HR chief are caught in a compromising position, there’s more than personal fallout. It raises red flags about workplace boundaries. Kristin Cabot might have a harassment claim if she faced pressure or retaliation. It’s a stark reminder that company policies matter, even under the stage lights.
Why your day in the spotlight matters
A kiss caught in public may go viral. But in court, that video is evidence, not proof of legal wrong. At LaGrandeur & Williams, we help clients:
- Understand how no-fault divorce laws shield them — morals don’t drive property division.
- Navigate custody, alimony, and support with clarity, not confusion.
- Leverage prenups and marital agreements to protect long-term goals.
- Face public scrutiny with strategy and support.
While a spotlight moment can trigger legal dramas, the real action unfolds in courtroom realities and legal documents, not on the jumbotron.
Encore: How LaGrandeur & Williams can help
Caught in a viral moment or just facing a rough patch? Whether you’re dealing with high-profile infidelity or social media storms, we’ve built our reputation on stepping into the spotlight so you don’t have to. Call LaGrandeur & Williams today.