Woman Who Filmed 'Coldplay gate' Scandal Reveals Jawdropping Amount She's Made from Viral Video

The woman who filmed the now-infamous kiss-cam moment between Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR chief Kristin Cabot at a Coldplay concert in Boston has revealed how much she earned from the viral video that triggered a corporate scandal: nothing.

Despite millions of views, Grace Springer—who posted the video to her TikTok account, instaagraace—said she was unable to monetise the video.

The clip, which captured Byron and Cabot sharing a seemingly reluctant kiss during Coldplay's sold-out show at Gillette Stadium on 16 July, rapidly spread across social media. The so-called 'Coldplay-gate' scandal ultimately led to Byron's resignation and Cabot's suspension, as Astronomer initiated an internal investigation.

What Happened at the Concert?

The incident unfolded when Coldplay frontman, Chris Martin, directed the stadium's kiss-cam towards Byron and Cabot. Both executives appeared surprised before sharing a seemingly reluctant kiss, unaware that an attendee was filming the moment on her mobile phone.

Within hours, the video went viral, sparking widespread discussion and immediate professional fallout. Byron resigned as CEO days later, while Cabot was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of Astronomer's internal review.

Who Filmed the Viral Video?

Springer said her motivation was simply to share a light-hearted moment. 'I filmed it for amusement,' she told Fox News. 'I never imagined it would blow up like this or have such serious consequences for anyone involved.'

No Financial Gain Despite Viral Fame

Although the video attracted millions of views and significant media coverage, Springer said she has not earned any money from the video. 'I genuinely have not earned a penny. The video isn't monetised. I never considered doing that,' she explained.

Her experience highlights a common misconception that viral videos automatically generate income. In reality, creators must enable monetisation features on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok to earn revenue.

Monetising Viral Videos: Timing Is Key

Social media experts note that the best time to monetise a viral video is as soon as it begins to gain traction. Platforms offer opportunities for advertising, sponsorships, and brand deals, but only if creators opt in early. Missing the window of peak engagement can significantly reduce potential earnings since viral trends often diminish quickly.

In this case, Springer's decision not to monetise the 'Coldplay-gate' video means she will receive no financial reward, underscoring that not every viral moment results in profit.

Response to Criticism

Springer has faced criticism for inadvertently sparking a scandal that led to serious professional consequences for Byron and Cabot. She insists she did nothing wrong. 'They are senior executives in a very public setting, and I didn't force them to act that way. I simply captured something spontaneous,' she said.

What's Next for 'Coldplay Gate'?

As Astronomer continues its internal investigation, Kristin Cabot's future at the company remains uncertain. The incident has reignited debate about individual accountability and privacy in public areas, and the unpredictable consequences of social media virality.

The 'Coldplay-gate' scandal serves as a reminder of how swiftly a seemingly harmless moment can escalate online, resulting in unforeseen personal and professional fallout in the digital age.