This article was written by

Follow

Former human resources executive Kristin Cabot, thrust into global infamy after a viral “kiss cam” moment at a Coldplay concert in July 2025, has broken her silence with fresh revelations in an exclusive interview on “The Oprah Podcast.” In clips released March 16, Cabot disclosed that her estranged husband, Andrew Cabot, was also attending the same show at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, raising the possibility they could have crossed paths that night while she was with her then-boss, Andy Byron.

The incident occurred during Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour stop on July 16, 2025. A stadium kiss cam panned to Cabot and Byron — then head of HR and CEO of tech firm Astronomer, respectively — as Byron’s arms were wrapped around her in what appeared to be an intimate embrace. The pair panicked, with Cabot covering her face and Byron ducking out of frame. Frontman Chris Martin quipped from the stage, “Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy,” sparking immediate laughter and speculation.

A fellow concertgoer captured the awkward exchange on video, which exploded on TikTok and other platforms, amassing hundreds of millions of views (some reports cite over 300 billion cumulative impressions across shares and reposts). The clip fueled online outrage, labeling Cabot a “homewrecker” and Byron an unfaithful executive. Both resigned from Astronomer shortly after amid the backlash, with Cabot filing for divorce from her husband in August 2025.

In her first on-camera interview since the scandal — described as her only such appearance — Cabot sat down with Oprah Winfrey to reflect on the fallout. She maintained the relationship with Byron was not an affair, emphasizing they were close colleagues and friends with a “very close” professional and social dynamic her estranged husband knew about. “My estranged husband would not have been surprised if he saw me outside the office with Andy,” she told Oprah in an exclusive clip shared by People magazine.

Cabot revealed a near-miss encounter: her husband was at the concert independently, potentially in the same venue as she socialized with Byron and friends. She described receiving a text from her daughter before the show, adding layers to the personal chaos unfolding publicly. “It was as if someone flipped a switch,” she recalled of the moment the Jumbotron spotlight hit them.

The mother of two admitted to poor judgment fueled by alcohol — “a couple of High Noons” — leading to dancing and inappropriate behavior. “I made a bad decision… and it’s not nothing,” she said. “I took accountability and gave up my career for that. That’s the price I chose to pay.” She stressed lessons for her children: mistakes happen, but they don’t warrant death threats or lifelong vilification.

Cabot accused technology companies and social media platforms of “feeding off the pain” of viral victims, profiting from algorithms that amplified harassment. She received abusive messages, including death threats, and became “the most maligned HR manager in HR history,” per her comments to outlets like The Times. The scandal’s gendered scrutiny — focusing disproportionately on her while Byron remained quieter — drew criticism in analyses from The New York Times and others.

Byron has not made public statements about the incident or Cabot’s recent disclosures. Astronomer conducted an internal review, finding no misuse of company funds, though the reputational damage proved irreversible for both executives.

Cabot has since pivoted professionally, booking a keynote speaking gig at an event with $875 tickets, positioning herself as a voice on viral shaming and accountability. She expressed hope the conversation shifts toward empathy for those caught in internet firestorms.

The “Coldplay kiss cam” saga remains a cautionary tale of how fleeting concert moments can spiral into life-altering crises in the digital age. As Cabot reclaims her narrative through high-profile interviews, the episode continues sparking debates on privacy, public shaming and the human cost of viral fame.

The Pontardawe-based business is diversifying with the backing of Lloyds Bank

A Pontardawe-based quad bike dealership and parts manufacturer has purchased two adjacent farms, combining agricultural land with renewable energy generation as part of a long-term diversification strategy.

Agrimek Ltd, which trades under Quad Bikes Wales, has acquired Henrhyd Farm in Rhydyfro and Ynysmeudwy Uchaf Farm in Pontardawe. The purchases add 70 acres of land adjacent to the company’s existing operations, including sites with established renewable energy installations.

Funded by two loans from Lloyds, totalling more than £620,000, the acquisitions represent the latest phase in an expansion journey for company director Gareth Porter, who started the business in August 2003 as a vehicle repair shop. What began as a small operation has expanded to now offer dealership and manufacturing operations across a 130-acre site, exporting products across Europe and the United States.

READ MORE: If we want to address the housing crisis we simply need more buildersREAD MORE: Developer behind what will be Wales’ tallest building appetite for further investment

The company has undergone significant transformation over two decades. After pivoting from vehicle repairs into quad bike sales, Mr Potter bought his first farm in 2007 and began using its sheds to house the growing business. The company now supplies leading brands including Honda,and Quadzilla, while manufacturing its own parts and accessories under the Quadmaxx brand.

A retail unit acquired in 2017 while a purpose-built industrial facility followed in 2019. Most recently, a major refurbishment has created a modern showroom and expanded warehouse space.

The business has installed a solar panel system on the industrial facility’s roof and replaced gas heating with electric alternatives – delivering monthly energy savings of £3,000. The new farm acquisitions will enable the company to develop its renewable energy capabilities further while protecting existing tenants.

The business is also committed to apprenticeships and work experience placements in partnership with local colleges. Several young people from disadvantaged backgrounds have progressed through the programme, with at least one securing full-time employment.

Mr Potter said “These purchases are about securing the long-term future of the business. Having land adjacent to our existing site gives us room to grow, while the renewable energy element provides diversification and aligns with the sustainability investments we’ve already made across the business.

Working with Lloyds to maintain growth means we can continue focusing considerable energy on delivering work that helps our local community – meaning we’re giving back to them as much as they’ve supported us.”

James Green, commercial relationship manager at Lloyds, said: “Gareth has built an impressive business over the past two decades, combining traditional dealership services with manufacturing and export capabilities. These farm acquisitions demonstrate strategic thinking – securing land for future growth while diversifying into renewable energy.

“The business is also making a real contribution to the local community through its apprenticeship and training programmes. We’re proud to have supported the journey from those early days right through to this latest expansion.”

Managing director Chris MacGregor said a 6.4% increase above inflation tariff adjustment would “begin correcting that long-term imbalance”, help the company speed up its use of renewable energy and “ensure the long-term stability” of the electricity system.

This article was written by

Follow

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

The 98th Academy Awards, held Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre, delivered a night of first-time winners, emotional tributes, and a dominant performance by Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic “One Battle After Another,” which took home the best picture Oscar along with five other awards.

Hosted by Conan O’Brien for his second consecutive year, the ceremony blended sharp humor, heartfelt moments, and a celebration of cinema amid a competitive field that included Ryan Coogler’s record-nomination “Sinners” and Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet.”

“One Battle After Another,” Anderson’s wry exploration of nativism and activism, emerged as the evening’s biggest winner with six Oscars. The film secured best picture, best director for Anderson (his first win in the category), best adapted screenplay (also for Anderson), best supporting actor for Sean Penn, best film editing, and best casting.

Penn, absent from the ceremony, became a three-time Oscar winner, tying a record for male actors in supporting roles. Anderson’s long-awaited hardware marked a breakthrough after previous nominations without victories.

“Sinners,” which entered the night with a record-tying 16 nominations, earned four awards, including best actor for Michael B. Jordan in his dual role as twin brothers Smoke and Stack. Jordan’s win was a career milestone, and he used his acceptance speech to honor predecessors in Black cinema. The film also claimed best original screenplay for Ryan Coogler, best original score for Ludwig Göransson, and best cinematography for Autumn Durald Arkapaw — the first woman to win in that category.

Jessie Buckley won best actress for her lead performance in “Hamnet,” directed by Chloé Zhao, becoming the first Irish winner in the category. Buckley’s portrayal in the adaptation earned praise for its emotional depth.

Supporting actress went to Amy Madigan for “Weapons,” while other notable wins included a historic first for a K-pop song in best original song.

The ceremony featured emotional tributes, including an In Memoriam segment honoring late Hollywood figures, and standout performances. “Sinners” and other films brought high-energy moments, with risqué jokes from O’Brien and appearances from past winners like Adrien Brody, Zoe Saldaña, and Mikey Madison as presenters.

Red carpet highlights included bold fashion choices, with stars embracing dramatic looks ahead of the show.

“One Battle After Another” producer Adam Somner, Sara Murphy, and Anderson accepted the best picture award, capping a sweep that reflected the film’s critical and industry acclaim.

The night’s historic elements — from Arkapaw’s cinematography win to Buckley’s breakthrough — underscored a diverse slate of films and performers.

As the 2026 awards season concluded, “One Battle After Another” stood out as the defining achievement, blending Anderson’s signature style with timely themes in a film that resonated deeply with Academy voters.