Cole Walliser is the director behind the GlamBOT, a high-speed camera that captures slow-motion footage on red carpet events. In a video posted on Instagram on Jan. 27, the 44-year-old took responsibility for a 2019 email exchange that has resurfaced and sparked criticism.
At a Glance
- Cole Walliser apologized for a dismissive tone in a 2019 email thread with Yinka Animashaun.
- He highlighted his workload and lack of a team at the time as context, not excuse.
- Walliser addressed accusations of racism and pledged to improve communication.
- Why it matters: The incident underscores the importance of respectful engagement in the entertainment industry.
Background of the Incident
In 2019, Yinka Animashaun reached out to the GlamBOT team to inquire about booking the camera for a private event. She sent an 11-email exchange with Walliser, expressing interest and asking about pricing.
Walliser’s responses were perceived as curt. He initially questioned Animashaun’s ability to afford the service before revealing the fee, and later sent a message that read, “If you wanted to know how much it costs you just needed to ask, you don’t need to pretend you are going to book it.” The tone was described by Animashaun as “hurt” and “angry.”
Cole Walliser’s Response
In his Instagram video, Walliser opened with, “I want to talk about some emails that I sent years ago that resurfaced recently. The tone in these emails was dismissive and curt and that is not okay.” He explained that in 2019 he was working alone, editing videos, answering emails, and feeling overwhelmed. He added, “But that is not an excuse. Everything lands on me.”
Walliser also addressed the broader backlash. “I think the hardest part about all of this is being labelled racist,” he 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, “But I do understand that reading these emails, people could be upset, and assume bias, especially given the frequency at which people of color can experience being dismissed, and so I take responsibility for my words, irregardless of what my intent was.”
Context and Reactions
- Social media response: The video sparked a mix of support and criticism, with many users calling for accountability and others defending Walliser’s intent.
- Accusations of racism: Some commentators noted that the incident reflects broader patterns of dismissive communication toward people of color in the entertainment sector.
- Industry implications: The GlamBOT, often seen on award shows, is a high-profile technology, and the incident has prompted discussions about professional standards for client interactions.
Future Steps and Growth
Walliser emphasized personal growth over the past seven years. “I’d like to think that I have grown a lot in the past 7 years and I always want to treat everybody with the respect that they deserve,” he said. “But clearly more could be done and I can do better.”
He concluded, “And so that’s a thing that I want to focus on improving and just working towards being better…” The video also referenced a recent viral moment involving Jennifer Lopez and the GlamBOT at the 2026 Golden Globes, where Walliser clarified that Lopez was not rude to him earlier in the month.
Takeaway
Cole Walliser’s public apology highlights the importance of tone and accountability in professional communication. While he acknowledged the impact of his words, he also shared a commitment to learning and improving. The incident serves as a reminder that even high-profile tech professionals must maintain respectful dialogue with clients and collaborators.
Final Note
The conversation around this exchange continues online, with many calling for more transparent and inclusive practices in the entertainment and technology industries. Walliser’s willingness to address the issue publicly may set a precedent for others facing similar accusations.
Key Takeaways
- The 2019 email thread involved an 11-email exchange with Yinka Animashaun.
- Walliser apologized for a dismissive tone and cited workload as context.
- Accusations of racism and calls for improved communication emerged.
- Walliser pledged ongoing personal growth and better client interactions.
- The incident underscores the need for respectful engagement in high-profile tech roles.
