Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar, has made headlines by abruptly terminating his endorsement deal with tech company Astronomer following a high-profile scandal involving the company’s CEO, Andy Byron, and Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot. The controversy erupted after a viral video from a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium in Boston on July 16, 2025, showed Byron, a married man, in a cozy embrace with Cabot during a kiss cam segment. Ohtani’s decision, accompanied by a powerful statement—“We will always be there to protect women, no matter what”—has sparked widespread discussion about ethics, corporate culture, and the role of athletes in taking moral stands.
The incident, dubbed #ColdplayGate on social media, unfolded when Coldplay frontman Chris Martin jokingly commented, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy,” as Byron and Cabot, caught on the jumbotron, scrambled to hide their faces. The video, which amassed over 50 million views across platforms like TikTok and X, led to intense public scrutiny. Byron, who has been married to Megan Kerrigan Byron and has two children, resigned as Astronomer’s CEO on July 19, 2025, while Cabot remains on leave pending a company investigation. Social media erupted with support for Byron’s wife, who removed his surname from her profiles, and criticism of Astronomer’s workplace culture, with some calling it “toxic.”
Ohtani, whose $700 million contract with the Dodgers and $100 million in 2025 endorsement earnings make him one of the world’s richest athletes, reportedly ended his deal with Astronomer due to concerns over the company’s leadership ethics. While the specifics of Ohtani’s endorsement—rumored to involve promoting Astronomer’s Astro data platform—are unconfirmed, his decision aligns with his reputation for integrity. The 2024 World Series MVP, who became the first MLB player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season, has a history of avoiding controversy, focusing instead on his craft and philanthropy through the Shohei Ohtani Foundation, which supports youth sports and community initiatives.
Ohtani’s statement, posted on X, has been praised for its focus on protecting women, with many interpreting it as support for Megan Kerrigan Byron and a broader critique of workplace power imbalances. The scandal has raised questions about favoritism, given Cabot’s role as Chief People Officer, a position meant to uphold ethical standards. Cabot, who joined Astronomer in November 2024 after leading HR at Neo4j, had been lauded by Byron for her “exceptional leadership” in fostering collaborative workplaces. Her now-deleted LinkedIn posts, where she claimed to “win trust with CEOs,” have fueled irony-laden commentary online.
Astronomer, a New York-based data orchestration firm valued at over $1.3 billion, has faced significant backlash. The company’s silence on Cabot’s employment status, contrasted with Byron’s swift resignation, has sparked speculation about legal constraints or severance negotiations. Experts cited by the New York Post suggest firing Cabot could expose Astronomer to lawsuits, especially if her actions were internally documented or approved. The presence of another employee, Alyssa Stoddard, in the viral video, laughing knowingly, has further damaged the company’s reputation, with former employees on X labeling Byron a “toxic boss.”
The fallout has resonated beyond tech circles, with the Seattle Mariners even trolling the incident by posting a meme featuring their player Cal Raleigh, captioned, “If your significant other was recently spotted at a Coldplay concert, email [email protected].” The lighthearted jab underscores the scandal’s cultural impact, which has overshadowed Astronomer’s achievements in data software. Ohtani’s exit from the partnership, though, has drawn the most attention, particularly in Japan, where fans view his stand as a reflection of his cultural values of honor and respect.
As Ohtani prepares for the Dodgers’ 2025 season, his decision reinforces his image as a principled figure in sports. His endorsement portfolio, including brands like New Balance and Fanatics, remains robust, with projected earnings exceeding $150 million annually by 2026. The Astronomer scandal, while unverified in some details, highlights the risks athletes face in aligning with brands amid corporate controversies. Ohtani’s bold move and his statement have sparked a broader conversation about accountability, workplace ethics, and the power of public figures to influence change, leaving fans and observers eager to see how he continues to navigate his global influence both on and off the field.
