Astronomer says its CEO has been placed on leave after viral Coldplay video

Astronomer, the technology firm that gained public attention after its CEO Andy Byron was seen on a Jumbotron video at a Coldplay concert earlier this week embracing an employee, has announced that Byron is now on leave.

Pete DeJoy, cofounder and chief product officer of Astronomer, is currently acting as interim CEO, according to a statement released by the company on Friday night.

Earlier on Friday, the New York-based company shared a statement regarding the situation via LinkedIn.

"Our leaders are expected to exemplify both conduct and accountability," the statement partially read, noting that the company’s board of directors "has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will provide further details soon."

The statement also addressed misinformation that has been circulating online in the day following the video's release, including the misidentification of a third individual seen in the clip, as well as a parody X account that falsely claimed to have a statement from the CEO.

Byron was seen on a Jumbotron screen at a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on Wednesday, embracing Kristin Cabot, the company’s chief people officer, who is responsible for overseeing human resources.

Coldplay was performing “The Jumbotron Song” when the camera focused on a man and woman cuddling while watching the performance. Upon realizing they were on a large screen at the venue, the two quickly separated and tried to conceal their faces, with the man ducking down.

"Whoa, look at these two," Coldplay frontman Chris Martin joked. "Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy."

CNN has reached out to a representative for Coldplay for a comment.

The video rapidly went viral, and internet detectives were quick to identify Byron and Cabot. Social media has become so engaged that numerous memes and comedic videos have emerged, poking fun at the situation.