Chris Martin has firmly stood by the ongoing use of the kiss cam during Coldplay’s concerts, despite mounting controversy after the exposure of an extramarital affair involving Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot. The incident, which took place during the band’s July 16, 2025, performance at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, sparked widespread attention and debate about the future of the kiss cam segment.
The cold spotlight shone on Byron, the former CEO of Astronomer, and Cabot, the company’s HR chief, who were caught attempting to avoid the camera while attending the concert together, both married to other partners. Podcaster Perez Hilton recently supported Martin’s decision to maintain the kiss cam feature, highlighting its effect on the band’s visibility and the unfolding drama around the scandal.
Background of the Kiss Cam Incident and Public Reaction
During Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour, the kiss cam zoomed in on a couple who quickly averted the camera’s view, a moment that instantly drew speculation. It was later confirmed that the pair were Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot, whose attempt to dodge the camera inadvertently confirmed suspicions of infidelity to the audience.
Hilton described the situation as a public spectacle, emphasizing how the affair was unveiled
“literally blasted on a jumbotron for all to see.”
The incident quickly escalated into a media frenzy, dominating headlines and overshadowing the concert itself.
Following the scandal, Chris Martin addressed the crowd during Coldplay’s August 18 stop in Hull, England, reassuring fans that the kiss cam would remain a staple of the performances. Despite the controversy, Martin appeared undeterred, pledging to continue the tradition as an opportunity to engage with the audience.
Hilton quoted Martin’s words:
“We’ve been doing [the Jumbotron] a long time, and it is only recently that it became a … yeah. Life throws you lemons, and you’ve got to make lemonade. So, we are going to keep doing it because we are going to meet some of you.”
Additionally, Martin lightened the mood by joking with a fan who had attended multiple shows, including the contentious Boston concert. He expressed gratitude for the fan’s continued support despite the controversy surrounding that event.
Chris Martin’s Commitment to the Kiss Cam Despite Possible Risks
The risk of a repeat occurrence similar to the Byron-Cabot incident was acknowledged but considered unlikely by Hilton, who reported that the band has
“zero plans to change the format of their show.”
The kiss cam remains a planned element, with Coldplay signaling a strong intent to preserve this interactive moment with fans.
Hilton’s commentary was clear:
“Coldplay’s kiss cam is here to STAY! Don’t try to talk Chris Martin out of it!”
Possible Legal Action from Andy Byron Against Coldplay
The fallout extended beyond public embarrassment, as rumors surfaced about potential legal action by Andy Byron. Following the July 17 incident at Gillette Stadium, Byron allegedly considered suing Coldplay over the kiss cam exposure that revealed his extramarital affair in front of tens of thousands of attendees.
Hilton analyzed these rumors on July 29, 2025, highlighting how Byron’s efforts to evade the camera fueled media attention, while Chris Martin’s onstage remarks intensified public scrutiny. During the concert, Martin quipped,
“Oh what… either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy,”
a comment that quickly went viral.
Hilton explained,
“They tried to act quick by dodging out of the frame, which only made them look 1,000x more sus. After seeing them hide, lead singer Chris Martin called out exactly what everyone saw: it looked like someone was doing something they shouldn’t!”
Legal Perspectives on a Defamation Claim
Reports from sources close to Byron suggested he felt “publicly embarrassed” and believed the band had turned him into an internet meme “without his permission.” However, Hilton noted the irony in Byron attending a crowded concert with the person involved yet contemplating legal action.
Attorney Camron Dowlatshahi from MSD Lawyers commented on the potential legal grounds, pointing to defamation as a possible claim based on Martin’s characterization of Byron and Cabot’s relationship. Dowlatshahi noted,
“If we are getting creative, a possible claim would be for defamation, specifically as it relates to Chris Martin characterizing the two as having an ‘affair.’”
The attorney further explained that Byron would need to prove that Martin knew or should have known the comment was false and made it with malice to succeed in court. Despite this, Dowlatshahi suggested Byron might avoid pursuing a lawsuit to steer clear of more attention.
Challenges in Pursuing Lawsuit and the Band’s Response
Hilton dismissed the likelihood of Byron successfully suing Coldplay, emphasizing Martin’s remarks were not serious and framed in a playful manner. Insiders reportedly told Rob Shuter’s ShuterScoop that Martin himself “laughed off” the idea of any legal proceedings.
Regarding privacy concerns, Hilton underscored the practical difficulties of a claim given concert environments:
“Seriously, how could he sue? Entrance into those places gives them permission to film you, that’s how jumbotrons work. There’s signage all over the place protecting the venue!”
Since the public fallout, Andy Byron resigned from his role as Astronomer’s CEO but has yet to issue a formal statement or initiate legal action against Coldplay.
Coldplay’s Tour Continues Amid Ongoing Controversy
Despite the turmoil, Chris Martin and Coldplay remain focused on their Music of the Spheres world tour, aiming to deliver energetic performances to global audiences. The next scheduled concert is at Wembley Stadium in London on August 22, 2025, where the band is expected to continue incorporating the kiss cam into their show.
This controversy has highlighted the complexities of blending interactive entertainment with the private lives of attendees, but Chris Martin’s steadfast defense of the kiss cam signals the band’s commitment to engaging their crowds, regardless of potential backlash.