Tech firm puts boss on leave as it investigates footage of couple embracing at Coldplay concert

A US tech company has placed its boss on leave and is investigating after a video appearing to show two senior staff members embracing at a Coldplay concert went viral.

In the clip, the pair are shown on a screen with their arms around each other during the British band's concert at the Gillette Stadium, in Boston, Massachusetts on 16 July. Once both of them realised they were being projected, the man quickly ducks out of view while the woman turns to hide her face from the camera.

Appearing to poke fun at the couple, Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin is heard on the clip saying: "Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy." The awkward encounter sent the internet into a frenzy, with the video gaining millions of views on social media and reports emerging that the two were executives from New York-based tech company Astronomer. On Friday the company addressed the viral moment, saying in a post on X that it has launched a "formal investigation" into the matter.

It said: "Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability.

"The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly." In a separate statement, it added that its chief executive Andy Byron, who is alleged to be the man in the clip, has been placed on leave, but stopped short of confirming it is him in the video. Read more from Sky News:Man wearing metal necklace pulled into MRI machineSnoop Dogg becomes co-owner and investor of Swansea football club The company also said Mr Byron has not commented on the matter after a fake statement claiming to be from him began circulating online.

Astronomer also did not identify the woman in the clip..