Andy Byron, CEO of Astronomer, issued a public apology following a viral scandal that appears to have found him in a compromising private moment while he was at a music festival. The video, which circulated widely in online social platforms, shows Byron and his HR Head in what was termed as a “night of joy and music.” The video created public speculations and anger, prompting Byron to release an official statement addressing the matter.
In a letter, Byron expressed deep remorse for what he called “a deeply personal mistake” that unfolded on a very public stage. He apologized to his wife, his family, and his colleagues at Astronomer — the company he co-founded.
“You deserve better from me as a partner, as a father, and as a leader,” Byron wrote.
He emphasized that the conduct shown on the video is not a representation of the man he wishes to be, or how he would wish to represent his business. Byron explained that he is taking his time to reflect and to take full responsibility, and he is asking people to leave him alone while he grapples with the repercussions both in and out of the workplace.
The viral nature of the experience also stirred many concerns about privacy, with Byron calling it “troubling” that an intimate moment was shared publicly without his consent.
“I admire artists and performers, but I hope we can all think deeper about the potential of making somebody else’s life a show,” he said.
Many closed out the release with a haunting image as he concluded the remark with a memorable lyric borrowed from Coldplay’s “Fix You” —
“Lights will guide you home, and light your bones, and I will try to fix you.”
The incident, reportedly at a live concert, became very popular on the internet on the basis of the way Byron’s body language in the video suggested something about his life outside of the stage
