Cole Walliser sidelined from Grammys after email backlash and red-carpet controversies
- Feb 1
- 4 min read
1 February 2026
Cole Walliser, the Canadian filmmaker and creative force behind the high-speed Glambot footage that has become a staple of awards-season red carpets, was conspicuously absent from the 2026 Grammy Awards, a notable departure given his longstanding presence at music’s biggest night and other major events. Known for the slow-motion clips he captures of stars arriving and posing on the carpet, Walliser has in recent weeks been embroiled in a swirl of criticism over past interactions and resurfaced communications that appear to have influenced his exclusion from this year’s ceremony.
Fans and industry insiders alike noticed that while the Glambot camera itself was in operation and capturing poses from stars such as Bad Bunny during the February 1 broadcast at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Walliser was not behind the rig or directing talent as he typically has been. Instead an unidentified woman operated the setup on behalf of E! News, which has historically showcased his work in televised red-carpet packages. Variety and other outlets reported that Walliser was not hired for the Grammys and that the network under new ownership at Versant is reconsidering how it handles the Glambot and behind-the-scenes coverage amid concerns over professionalism and brand image.
Walliser has been a familiar figure in the entertainment world for years, capturing dynamic celebrity moments at events such as the Golden Globes and earlier Grammy ceremonies. His energetic directing of arrivals and stylish captures have earned him a following on social media and frequent viral moments. But his recent absence underscores how behind-the-scenes conduct and public perception can intersect in unexpected ways in the social-media era, where a creator’s behavior off camera can have implications for professional opportunities.
The current controversy stems from two viral incidents over the past month. First, a 2026 Golden Globes red-carpet segment featuring Walliser and Glambot star Jennifer Lopez made the rounds on social platforms when some viewers interpreted the footage to suggest Lopez was dismissive toward him. Walliser later addressed the moment in an Instagram video, explaining that he did not consider her behavior rude and that the dynamic on crowded red carpets can be chaotic, noting that celebrities are often in a rush and may not immediately register what is happening around them. Despite his attempt to clarify, the interaction sparked chatter online and added fuel to a growing wave of commentary about his role.
The more consequential issue, however, was the resurfacing of an email exchange from 2019 between Walliser and a woman named Yinka Animashaun, who had inquired about booking the Glambot for a private event such as her wedding. In the correspondence, Walliser made comments that were perceived as dismissive about the potential client’s ability to afford the service before disclosing its cost, prompting accusations of bias and unprofessionalism when the interaction circulated online. Animashaun later spoke publicly about feeling “hurt” and “angry” by his tone, a reaction that resonated widely and intensified scrutiny of his work and public persona.
In response, Walliser issued a public apology via Instagram, acknowledging that the tone of the emails was curt and taking responsibility for his role in the exchange. He explained that at the time he was overwhelmed, handling every email and edit on his own without a support team, but stress was no excuse for the way his communications came across. Walliser also addressed the broader perception of bias, reflecting on his own experiences with issues of identity and acknowledging how his words could be interpreted, particularly in contexts where people of color frequently encounter dismissal. His apology sought to emphasize personal growth and a desire to do better in the future.
Despite the apology, the combined weight of these controversies appears to have influenced his professional visibility at the Grammys. E! insiders reportedly told Variety that the network is committed to maintaining a respectful and professional environment and that Walliser’s recent headlines did not align with those objectives, leading to the decision not to involve him in the 2026 telecast. Whether his absence signals a permanent shift in how major events handle Glambot and red-carpet content or simply a temporary setback remains unclear, but industry observers are watching closely to see if and how his role evolves in future awards coverage.
The reaction from fans and the public has been mixed. Some have expressed sympathy for Walliser’s situation, arguing that one old email and a misunderstood red-carpet moment should not lead to professional ostracism, while others contend that creators and public figures must be held accountable for their conduct and how they engage with the broader community. The debate reflects larger questions about accountability, cancel culture and how past behavior is weighed against current contributions in an era where every interaction can be amplified and dissected online.
Walliser’s absence from the red carpet at the Grammy Awards particularly given how much buzz Glambot footage typically generates has left a notable gap in this year’s awards coverage. It also serves as a reminder that in the interconnected world of entertainment and social media, the personas behind the lenses can become as discussed as the stars in front of them, and maintaining a positive public image is as much a part of a creator’s craft as capturing memorable moments on camera.
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