Pepsi's Super Bowl Commercial Takes Hilarious Jab at Astronomer's Viral CEO Scandal
In a bold marketing move that has set social media abuzz, Pepsi has released a Super Bowl advertisement that directly references the infamous scandal involving Astronomer's former CEO Andy Byron and the company's Head of HR, Kristin Cabot. The commercial, which debuted just hours ago, cleverly parodies the viral moment that cost both executives their careers back in July 2025.
The Polar Bear Parody That's Capturing Attention
The hilarious Pepsi commercial begins with Coca-Cola's iconic polar bear mascot appearing confused about life and seeking therapy. As the animated bear wanders through city streets, he unexpectedly finds companionship with another polar bear, with their bond forming over shared bottles of Pepsi. The scene then transitions to the two bears enjoying a concert together, where they are dramatically "caught" on camera—a clear nod to the actual events that unfolded at a Coldplay concert in Boston.
What makes this visual particularly striking is how it mirrors the real-life incident while adding a humorous twist. Unlike Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot, who famously tried to hide their faces when spotted on the "kiss cam," Pepsi's polar bears embrace the moment openly, creating a playful contrast that has resonated with viewers.
Reviving a Corporate Scandal That Shook the Tech World
The original scandal erupted when Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot were captured on the kiss cam during a Coldplay performance in July 2025. The awkward moment prompted Coldplay's lead singer Chris Martin to comment from the stage, "Oh, look at these two. You're all right. You're OK. Oh, what? Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy..."
The viral footage quickly spread across the internet, leading to intense public scrutiny and brutal online trolling. The consequences were severe: Andy Byron lost his position as CEO of the popular startup Astronomer, while Kristin Cabot's career also came to an abrupt end.
In a recent interview with New York Post, Kristin Cabot reflected on the incident, stating, "I made a bad decision and had a couple of High Noons and danced and acted inappropriately with my boss. And it's not nothing. And I took accountability and I gave up my career for that. That's the price I chose to pay." She added a poignant message about learning from mistakes while emphasizing the disproportionate consequences she faced.
Marketing Genius or Controversial Move?
Pepsi's decision to reference this corporate scandal in their Super Bowl advertisement has generated mixed reactions. Many fans find the connection brilliantly executed, appreciating how the brand has tapped into a well-known cultural moment to create memorable marketing. The commercial successfully links their competitor Coca-Cola with the embarrassing viral clip through clever storytelling and animation.
However, some critics question whether making light of a situation that ended careers represents appropriate marketing. The advertisement has certainly sparked conversations about the boundaries of corporate humor and how brands leverage real-life controversies for commercial gain.
The timing is particularly interesting as the Super Bowl represents advertising's biggest stage, ensuring maximum visibility for this clever parody. By connecting their product with a memorable scandal while simultaneously taking a jab at their main competitor, Pepsi has created a multi-layered marketing message that continues to generate discussion across digital platforms.
As the commercial circulates widely in the lead-up to the big game, it serves as a reminder of how quickly personal moments can become public spectacles in the digital age—and how brands are increasingly willing to incorporate real-world drama into their marketing strategies for maximum impact.
