Glambot Director Breaks Silence Following Backlash Over Resurfaced Emails
Cole Walliser, the creative director behind the popular Glambot videos that have become a staple on Hollywood red carpets, has publicly addressed criticism after emails from 2019 resurfaced showing him being dismissive toward a potential client.
Walliser posted a video apology on his Instagram account this week, directly responding to an email exchange with Yinka Animashaun, who had inquired about having the Glambot camera at her wedding. The Glambot technology captures high-speed videos that play back in dramatic slow motion, creating signature red carpet moments.
Addressing the Tone and Taking Responsibility
"I want to talk about some emails that I sent years ago that resurfaced recently," Walliser stated in his video message. "The tone in these emails was dismissive and curt and that is not OK."
The director explained that in 2019, he was operating without a team, personally editing every video and responding to all correspondence while feeling overwhelmed. "But that is not an excuse," he emphasised. "Everything lands on me."
Walliser specifically addressed concerns about racial bias after Animashaun claimed on social media platform X that he had suggested she might not be able to afford his services.
Responding to Accusations of Bias
"I think the hardest part about all of this is being labelled racist," Walliser said. "I'm half Chinese and growing up, issues of identity, race and belonging deeply affected me, and I would never intend to inflict that onto anybody else."
He continued with a nuanced acknowledgment of how his words might have been perceived: "But I do understand that reading these emails, people could be upset, and assume bias, especially given the frequency at which people of colour can experience being dismissed, and so I take responsibility for my words, regardless of what my intent was."
Red Carpet Interactions and Professional Growth
The director also addressed concerns about his behaviour during live events, explaining the fast-paced nature of award show press lines. "Live events move really fast, and I would never want someone to come see me and leave feeling that way," he said. "But I do understand that it could happen and it did happen, and for that I am sorry."
Walliser concluded his apology by reflecting on his professional development over the past decade. "I'd like to think that I have grown a lot in the past seven years and I always want to treat everybody with the respect that they deserve, but clearly more could be done and I can do better," he stated. "And so that's a thing that I want to focus on improving and just working towards being better."
Recent Context and Viral Moments
This apology comes shortly after another Glambot-related controversy earlier this month, when a clip of Jennifer Lopez posing for Walliser's high-speed camera went viral. Some viewers criticised the singer for minimal interaction during the filming.
Walliser later defended Lopez on TikTok, explaining that she was simply focused on navigating the hectic red carpet environment. The director's public responses to both situations highlight the increased scrutiny facing red carpet professionals in the digital age.
As Glambot continues to be a fixture at major entertainment events, Walliser's apology represents a significant moment of accountability within the Hollywood media landscape.
