A viral moment at a Coldplay concert has reignited public interest in the Boston Brahmins, a term used to describe Boston’s historic aristocracy. Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s HR chief, was caught on the stadium’s kiss cam with then-CEO Andy Byron, sparking a scandal that quickly spread online. But beyond workplace ethics, the incident has drawn attention to Cabot’s powerful family ties.
Kristin is married to Andrew Cabot, the sixth-generation owner of Privateer Rum and a direct descendant of the original Andrew Cabot, a merchant and rum distiller from the American Revolution era. The Cabots are part of the Boston Brahmins—families known for their wealth, education, and influence.
Who Are the Boston Brahmins?
The phrase Boston Brahmins was coined by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. in his 1861 novel, Elsie Venner. He likened Boston’s elite to India’s Brahmins, the highest priestly caste, to describe their exclusivity and cultural dominance. These families, including the Cabots, Lowells, and Lodges, were descendants of Puritan settlers who built fortunes through trade, shipping, and manufacturing.
According to the New England Historical Society, Boston Brahmins valued discipline, education, and civic duty. Yet, they were also known for resisting immigration and maintaining rigid social circles. A famous local rhyme captures their exclusivity: “Where the Lowells talk only to Cabots, and the Cabots talk only to God.”
Kristin Cabot’s Connection to Boston Brahmins
Kristin Cabot’s marriage into the Cabot family places her within one of Boston’s most storied lineages. The Cabots’ estimated fortune of $200 million in 1972 would be worth over $15 billion today. Their legacy includes philanthropic contributions to Harvard, MIT, and other institutions, as well as controversial ties to 19th-century slave and opium trades.
The Coldplay concert scandal has not only led to Byron’s resignation but also placed Kristin on leave pending an internal investigation. Legal experts suggest her termination may be complicated due to her senior HR role and contractual protections.
Imagine getting caught in 4k cheating on your spouse-with your HR Chief on the kiss cam at a Coldplay concert. 😳😳😳 Andy Bryon & Kristin Cabot didn't just risk their marriages, they turned a secret fling into a viral spectacle & a corporate scandal.
Messy doesn't even cover it pic.twitter.com/FlDpWCE3vw— Blanck (@BlanckDigital) July 17, 2025
Boston Brahmins in Modern Spotlight
This incident has unexpectedly pulled back the curtain on a rarely discussed segment of American society. As one local historian noted, “The Boston Brahmins were America’s closest thing to a hereditary elite.” Their influence may have faded, but their legacy still shapes Boston’s cultural and social identity
