Coldplay’s Streams Surge 25% After Viral Kiss-Cam Controversy, While Gwyneth Paltrow Named Astronomer’s “Temporary Spokesperson”

Following a viral kiss-cam incident at Coldplay’s July 16 Boston concert featuring Astronomer executives Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot, the band’s on-demand audio streams surged 25%, rising from 28.7 million to 35.7 million in the five days after the controversy. While caught on the stadium big screen together, Byron awkwardly avoided the camera while Cabot covered her face, prompting frontman Chris Martin to comment from the stage, “Uh oh. Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy.” Byron, who is married to someone else, resigned as CEO of Astronomer after backlash, with the company re-affirming its commitment to accountability amid the search for a new leader. To smooth over the controversy – and to poke fun at themselves after the incident – Astronomer named Martin’s ex-wife, Gwyneth Paltrow, as the company’s “temporary spokesperson,” with the Oscar winner recording a humorous introductory video that aired on Friday night (July 25). (Hollywood Reporter)