SHOCKING NEWS: Danica Patrick Announces Termination of Multi-Million Dollar Contract with Astronomer After CEO Andy Byron’s Affair – “I Don’t Work with Family Traitors. Women Deserve Respect!”
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the sports and tech worlds, Danica Patrick, the trailblazing former NASCAR and IndyCar driver, announced the termination of her multi-million dollar endorsement contract with Astronomer, a New York-based data orchestration platform. The decision, made public on July 28, 2025, comes in the wake of a viral scandal involving Astronomer’s now-former CEO, Andy Byron, who was caught on a “kiss cam” at a Coldplay concert embracing the company’s Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot. Patrick’s bold statement—“I don’t work with family traitors. Women deserve respect!”—has ignited a firestorm of debate, amplifying the fallout from the scandal and raising questions about corporate accountability and personal values in business partnerships.
The incident that sparked this controversy occurred on July 16, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, during a Coldplay concert. A jumbotron captured Byron, who is married with two children, in an intimate embrace with Cabot, who is not his wife. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin’s tongue-in-cheek comment, “Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy,” drew laughter from the crowd but fueled a social media frenzy when the video, posted by a concertgoer, amassed over 127 million views on TikTok. The internet quickly identified Byron and Cabot, and speculation about an extramarital affair exploded, with hashtags like #ColdplayGate trending on X.
Astronomer responded swiftly, placing Byron on leave on July 18 and announcing his resignation two days later. The company’s board accepted his resignation, stating, “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.” Cabot, who joined Astronomer in November 2024, also resigned on July 25, amid concerns about potential legal risks if she were fired outright. The company’s interim CEO, Pete DeJoy, acknowledged the “surreal” media attention but emphasized Astronomer’s commitment to its mission in the DataOps space.
Danica Patrick, who signed a lucrative deal with Astronomer in 2024 to promote its data analytics platform, was quick to distance herself from the company. In a statement posted on X, she wrote, “I’ve built my career on integrity and standing up for what’s right. When I learned about Andy Byron’s actions, I couldn’t stay silent. I don’t work with family traitors. Women deserve respect, and I won’t align with a company that tolerates this behavior.” Her decision to terminate the contract, reportedly worth $5 million annually, underscores her commitment to her personal values over financial gain. The move has drawn both praise and criticism, with supporters lauding her principled stand and detractors arguing it was an overreaction to a personal matter
Patrick’s history as a pioneer in male-dominated industries like motorsports gives her statement added weight. As the first woman to win an IndyCar race and a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment, her decision resonates with many who see it as a stand against workplace misconduct. “This isn’t just about an affair,” said sports analyst Jenna Carter. “It’s about the message it sends when leaders in powerful positions act with impunity. Danica’s walking away from millions to make that point.” On X, fans echoed this sentiment, with one user posting, “Danica Patrick just proved she’s not here for the BS. Respect.” Others, however, questioned whether her response was too harsh, noting that Byron’s personal life might not reflect the company’s overall values.
The scandal has also shone a spotlight on Astronomer’s workplace culture. Social media users pointed to a third employee, allegedly visible in the viral video, who appeared to know about the affair, prompting accusations of a “toxic workplace.” Astronomer denied these claims, clarifying that no other employees were involved. Meanwhile, Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, has remained silent, reportedly retreating to the family’s $2.4 million estate in Kennebunk, Maine, after deactivating her Facebook account, which was flooded with sympathy messages.
The fallout from Patrick’s decision extends beyond her personal brand. Industry experts suggest that Astronomer, already grappling with the loss of its CEO and Chief People Officer, may face further challenges in retaining partners and investors. The company’s recent $93 million funding round, led by Bain Ventures, was a point of pride, but the scandal has shifted focus from its technological achievements to its leadership failures.
Patrick’s exit also raises broader questions about the intersection of personal conduct and professional partnerships. “In today’s world, where every moment can go viral, public figures and companies are under a microscope,” said media strategist Mark Evans. “Danica’s move shows that values-driven decisions can have a ripple effect, forcing companies to rethink how they handle leadership accountability.” For now, Patrick is focusing on her other ventures, including her podcast Pretty Intense and her wine brand, Danica Rosé, while her fans rally behind her uncompromising stance.
As the dust settles, the Astronomer scandal and Patrick’s response have become a cultural flashpoint, highlighting the power of social media to expose private missteps and the growing expectation for public figures to take a stand. Whether this marks a turning point for corporate responsibility or simply another viral moment, one thing is clear: Danica Patrick’s bold move has ensured that this story will be remembered as more than just a “kiss cam” controversy.
