Phillies poke fun at Coldplay kiss cam scandal with viral jumbotron moment
The Philadelphia Phillies added a viral twist to their in-game entertainment by debuting a “Coldplay Kiss Cam” during a recent matchup at Citizens Bank Park.
The light-hearted segment, featuring the Phillie Phanatic mascot, playfully referenced the now-infamous kiss cam scandal involving Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot, which took place at a Coldplay concert earlier this month.
While the Phillies did not explicitly name those involved, the stunt featured a humorous reenactment that subtly nodded to the viral moment. During the bit, Coldplay’s music played in the background as the Phanatic mimicked a dramatic kiss cam scene—eliciting cheers and laughter from the crowd. The entire segment was widely shared on X (formerly Twitter), with fans praising the team’s timely humor.
Lol this is hilarious.
The Phillies had a kiss cam and had the Phillie Phanatic re-enact the Coldplay affair😂pic.twitter.com/0HDlr7feGFThis parody follows a string of playful jabs from various organizations, including the St. Louis Cardinals and Seattle Mariners, all joining the cultural moment sparked by the original Coldplay concert clip. The Phillies’ version marks one of the most direct pop culture tie-ins, showcasing how sports teams are blending entertainment and trending topics to connect with fans.
The original scandal went viral after Coldplay frontman Chris Martin joked mid-performance that a couple caught on the kiss cam were “either having an affair or just very shy.” The pair were later identified as Astronomer's CEO and HR chief, sparking an internal investigation at the tech company.
By tapping into the trending moment, the Phillies are not only keeping their fanbase entertained but also cementing their place in the broader conversation.