Andy Byron could face Jeff Bezos-style payout if Coldplay kiss cam scandal leads to divorce, says expert

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: Former tech CEO Andy Byron's on-camera cozy moment with another woman might cost him not just his marriage, but possibly a fortune that rivals Jeff Bezos’ $38 billion divorce settlement.

It all went down at Coldplay’s Boston concert on Wednesday, July 16, where Andy Byron — now ex-CEO of data startup Astronomer — was caught in a controversial moment on camera.

Perched beside him in a VIP section was not his wife, Megan Kerrigan, but Astronomer’s HR boss Kristin Cabot. When the arena’s kiss cam panned their way, Kristin threw her hands up to hide her face, while Byron ducked out of view.

Even Coldplay frontman Chris Martin couldn’t resist commenting on the spectacle. "Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy," he quipped from the stage.

Astronomer's ex CEO Andy Byron feels the heat after 'Coldplaygate'

By Saturday, July 19, Astronomer announced Byron had stepped down from his role as CEO, saying his behavior “did not meet” the company’s standards.

“As stated previously, Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met. Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted," the company added.

Experts told the New York Post that he might’ve deliberately chosen resignation over getting fired because if the board had dropped the hammer, he could’ve walked away with zilch.

Meanwhile, Megan Kerrigan swiftly deleted her social media accounts and removed “Byron” from all her profiles. She and Andy reportedly share two kids.

If Megan decides to make it official and file for divorce, Andy will have to dig deep into his pockets.

According to the Post’s legal experts, Byron’s estimated net worth — somewhere between $20 million and $70 million — could be up for grabs. Under Massachusetts law, where the couple lives, long-term spouses typically split assets 50/50.

Celebrity divorce attorney Nancy Chemtob told the Post, “It’s obviously a long-term relationship." And if Byron’s worth is at the higher end, “he would have to shell out a massive amount," she noted.

Another expert said the payout could reach the same league as Jeff Bezos’ infamous split from MacKenzie Scott, where the Amazon founder handed over a jaw-dropping $38 billion.

Megan and Andy have been together long enough to qualify for Massachusetts' equitable division laws. So, unless there’s a solid prenup floating around, it could spell financial disaster for Byron.

What the potential fallout looks like for Andy Byron

While Kristin Cabot is catching heat alongside Byron, she might not face the same financial fallout.

The HR exec is reportedly married to Andrew Cabot, the rum magnate behind Privateer Rum. But according to Chemtob, their marriage is “relatively short" and so any split wouldn’t likely cost as much (unless, of course, there’s a prenup in place).

Speaking of prenups, Chemtob revealed that some include “cheating clauses." If those apply, someone might be cutting checks for more than just therapy bills. Still, she noted that a single concert cam kiss isn't necessary to file for divorce under Massachusetts law.

Los Angeles-based divorce lawyer Jackie Combs explained to the Post that the "courts are usually reluctant to enforce infidelity provisions.”

But if either partner used joint funds to bankroll their affair, that’s where the court might step in to adjust the settlement. Financial misbehavior tends to get the gavel’s attention.

However, while the adults are ducking cameras and drafting statements, it's the kids who might be hit hardest.

“I think the worst thing in this case is the embarrassment factor for the kids,” Chemtob lamented. “The problem here is that now, the kids are embarrassed, the families are embarrassed, and there’s going to be a lot of expenses with regard to therapy for the children, getting separate homes, things like that.”

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