By Amelia Grant | U.S. Culture & Power Watch | July 16, 2025
In a bombshell move shaking both the corporate and entertainment world, event organizers for Coldplay’s charity concert have officially released a previously withheld 3-minute backstage video showing CEO Andy Byron and HR Director Kristin Cabot engaging in what multiple experts now describe as “intimate and highly inappropriate physical contact.”
The clip, reportedly cleared for release after internal legal review, captures the full lead-up to the now-infamous public “hug from behind” moment that ignited a national scandal — but what it shows before that has stunned viewers.
🔍 What’s in the Video:
-
The video begins with Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot standing backstage, separated from the crowd, moments before the kiss cam cut to them.
-
Over the next 90 seconds, Byron is seen placing his hand on Cabot’s lower back, then slowly moving it to the inside of her blazer, adjusting something near her waistline.
-
Cabot responds by lightly touching his chest, and at one point, straightens his collar in a gesture that appears deeply familiar.
-
At minute 2:23, Byron steps directly behind her and wraps both arms around her waist in a slow, deliberate embrace — just before the kiss cam moment that was broadcast live.
-
The footage then cuts to the public-facing camera, where both appear surprised — though now clearly staged.
😳 Public Reaction:
The release of this extended video has sparked immediate outrage. Social media hashtags #ByronBodyContact, #ColdplayUncut, and #BoardMustAct are now trending globally.
“This wasn’t a spontaneous moment caught on camera,” said crisis PR expert Naomi Lattimore. “This was a pattern — and it’s now visually undeniable.”
What makes this even more explosive: Coldplay’s PR team confirmed the video had been intentionally cut from the original broadcast due to “concerns raised by a corporate sponsor” — later revealed to be Byron Tech.
Byron’s wife, Marissa Byron, has not issued a new statement since the leak, but sources say she was notified hours before the video was released, and has now revoked her media silence agreement.
Meanwhile, Byron’s board of directors has scheduled a closed emergency session and is expected to announce disciplinary action within 24 hours.
Kristin Cabot has yet to comment, and her legal team has issued a “no contact” order against press inquiries.
This story is developing rapidly. Viewer discretion is advised.