In brief
Kristin Cabot, an HR executive caught on-camera hugging her boss at a Coldplay concert, describes the harassment and threats she faced following the viral moment. She shares her attempts to find new employment and the emotional toll it has taken on her family as her two children feel embarrassed and anxious. Cabot, who has since stepped down from her position, emphasized the gendered nature of the criticism she has received, wondering if her male counterpart faced similar backlash. Despite the difficulties, she is beginning to find a path toward recovery for herself and her family.
Kristin Cabot, the HR executive caught on the big screen at a Coldplay concert embracing her boss, shared her experience of ongoing harassment following the viral moment. The footage, which showed Cabot hugging Andy Byron, the former CEO of the tech company Astronomer, quickly went viral, leading to widespread jokes and speculation about their relationship.
In her first public comments since the performance in July, Cabot, 53, revealed she has faced continuous harassment and threats since the incident, revealing her struggles to find work amid claims that she is 'unemployable.' The incident occurred during a concert in Boston, which was further immortalized when Coldplay's lead singer Chris Martin joked, Either they're having an affair, or they're just very shy, as they attempted to duck out of the camera's gaze.
After the video gained traction, Cabot said she became a 'meme' and the target of unwarranted accusations, stating, I was the most maligned HR manager in HR history. Following the controversy, she distanced herself from Byron, who later resigned and has not publicly commented on the matter.
Describing her challenges, Cabot told the Times her children now feel embarrassed to be seen with her and are fearful for her safety, citing numerous threatening messages, including one alarming note that stated, I'm coming for you. She pointed out that much of the vitriol has come from women, who were particularly cruel in their judgment, reflecting the deeply gendered attacks she faced.
Despite the overwhelming response, Cabot is beginning to find support, as she finds therapists for her children and starts venturing out more, slowly reintegrating into activities like playing tennis. She underscored the discrepancy in treatment between herself and her male counterpart, questioning why she faced the brunt of criticism whereas Byron seemed to escape the same level of scrutiny.
In her journey to clarity, Cabot acknowledged the weight of her choices that night and has taken responsibility, expressing her desire to overcome the stigma while highlighting the impact on her family. As her legal and emotional battles continue, her story serves as a poignant reflection on the consequences of public scrutiny and gender dynamics in professional settings.
