As his wife breaks her silence and neighbors turn their backs, the former Astronomer exec faces a storm of disgrace — and it’s only getting worse.

Just weeks ago, Andy Byron was known as the polished, brainy CEO of Astronomer, a rising star in the tech-analytics world. Today, he’s being called something far different — “cheater,” “liar,” even “disgusting.”

The dramatic fall from grace began with a seemingly innocuous moment caught on a stadium “kiss cam” — one that quickly spiraled into a full-blown personal and professional crisis. Byron, 48, was spotted locking lips not with his wife of 17 years, Megan Kerrigan, but with Astronomer’s Head of HR, Kristin Cabot. The clip was posted to social media and, within hours, exploded across newsfeeds, generating millions of views and even more questions.

Neighbors Speak Out: “We’re Disgusted”

Residents in Byron’s former Cincinnati neighborhood, where he and Megan once hosted summer parties and charitable events, say they feel betrayed. “It’s not just that he cheated — it’s who he did it with,” said one neighbor, requesting anonymity. “Kristin worked directly under him. There’s a power dynamic, a moral breach. It’s not just disgusting — it’s reckless.”

Several neighbors have also urged media outlets to respect Megan Kerrigan’s privacy, especially since she relocated to a waterfront $2.4 million estate in Maine. “She didn’t ask for any of this. She was blindsided,” another local resident noted.

Video:

Megan Breaks Her Silence

Until recently, Megan, 45, remained silent, declining press inquiries and avoiding social media. But over the weekend, she issued a statement through her sister’s Instagram account that sent a wave of quiet admiration across the internet.

“I am choosing to drop Byron from my name — not out of anger or vengeance, but for peace. My children and I are building something new. That’s what matters now.”

The post has since been widely shared, praised for its dignity and self-possession. One commenter wrote: “This is the definition of grace under fire.”

Sources close to the family say Megan is focused on her children — a 13-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son — and has no plans to return to Ohio anytime soon. “Maine has become a sanctuary for her,” a family friend said. “She’s healing. And she’s stronger than ever.”

Career Fallout and Questions of Ethics

In the wake of the scandal, Byron resigned from Astronomer with what some insiders describe as “extraordinary haste.” The company issued a brief statement thanking him for his “contributions” but offered no endorsement of his conduct. Meanwhile, Kristin Cabot has reportedly taken an extended leave of absence, citing “mental health reasons.”

Legal analysts have begun to question whether company policies were breached, particularly given the direct reporting relationship between Byron and Cabot. “There’s a reason why most corporations have strict rules around workplace relationships — especially between C-suite execs and HR staff,” says corporate ethics consultant Leah Grayson. “It undermines trust, morale, and creates legal risk.”

Astronomer has not confirmed whether an internal investigation is ongoing.

A Once-Admired Man, Now in Exile

Andy Byron has not spoken publicly since the scandal erupted. His social media accounts have gone dark, and according to neighbors, he’s vacated the couple’s shared Ohio property. “We haven’t seen him,” said one neighbor. “No lights, no movement. It’s like he vanished.”

Sources say he may be staying with relatives out of state. Others speculate he’s “lying low” at a friend’s lake house in Michigan.

Whatever the case, one thing is certain: the image of Andy Byron as a trusted leader and family man has been permanently shattered.

The Price of Betrayal

In the age of digital virality, Byron’s downfall is a cautionary tale. A moment of poor judgment — especially when performed in public, under the gaze of cameras — can destroy decades of reputation in an instant.

But for many watching the drama unfold, the real story isn’t Byron’s humiliation — it’s Megan Kerrigan’s quiet strength.

“She didn’t scream. She didn’t throw anyone under the bus,” says longtime friend Denise Halpern. “She just walked away with her head high. And that’s a thousand times more powerful than any public meltdown.”

As for Byron, no apology has yet been made. And until then, the silence — and the damage — continues.