Hollywood actress and broadcaster Whoopi Goldberg (69) is facing public backlash for defending former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron (50), who resigned amid an extramarital affair scandal.
On the 21st (local time), during the U.S. talk show 'The View,' the controversy surrounding Byron and Human Resources Director Christine Cabot (56), who were caught in a 'kiss cam' at a recent Coldplay concert at Boston's Gillette Stadium, was addressed as a 'hot topic.' This scene was broadcast live on a large screen in front of thousands of audience members, and Byron resigned amid the criticism.
However, Whoopi Goldberg commented on the controversy, saying, "People's hearts are out of our control," and added, "She is not the HR director on the bed," which surprised the studio.
He continued by saying, "They may have wanted to be caught on purpose," adding, "If they didn't want to be seen by people, they shouldn't have gone to a concert. It's foolish." He also remarked, "They effectively created their own 'exit.'"
Co-host Sarah Haines, who appeared on the same broadcast, stated, "It breaks my heart to think about the families and children watching this incident," and noted, "Above all, the fact that the CEO is in a romantic relationship with the HR director is the biggest issue."
Following the broadcast, criticisms emerged on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) regarding Whoopi's remarks, stating, "It's a clear conflict of interest for a CEO to be in a relationship with the HR director," and, "Defending an affair indicates a shaky moral compass."
The Astronomer side officially announced last weekend that "Byron has recently failed to meet ethical standards, has expressed his resignation, and the board has accepted it." Currently, co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy is serving as interim CEO.
According to the disclosed information, both Byron and Cabot are married but have been confirmed to live at different addresses from their respective spouses. Their relationship is currently still stirring controversy online.
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), TikTok video capture
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