Viral Kiss-Cam Fallout: Kristin Cabot Exits Astronomer Despite Clearance

• Kristin Cabot, former HR head at Astronomer, was caught in a viral "kiss cam" incident with ex-CEO Andy Byron.
• An internal inquiry by Astronomer cleared Cabot of any policy violation and asked her to return to her role.
• Cabot refused, citing lasting reputational damage and online ridicule that made her leadership role untenable.
• She stated that public perception and viral narratives often override internal corporate findings, impacting credibility.
• Cabot's departure, like Byron's earlier resignation, highlights how online judgment can force exits even without internal wrongdoing.

Why It Matters: Online virality and public perception can end careers, even when internal inquiries find no wrongdoing.