Glambot Director Cole Walliser Faces Backlash After Rude Emails

Cole Walliser — the filmmaker and director best known for operating Glambot, the high-speed slow-motion camera that’s become a staple of red carpet award-show coverage — is once again at the centre of an online controversy after screenshots from a 2019 email exchange with a potential client went viral and drew widespread criticism. The resurfaced correspondence has reignited debates over his professionalism and demeanor with paying customers.

The exchange involved a bride named Yinka Animashaun, who reached out seeking information on booking Walliser’s Glambot setup for her wedding. Instead of a straightforward pricing and booking breakdown, Walliser’s responses in the email thread were interpreted by many as dismissive and condescending, leading to accusations of elitism and poor customer relations.

The Glambot Email Exchange: Prices and Tone Under Fire

According to the leaked screenshots, when the bride asked about Glambot bookings, Walliser outlined a very broad price range — between $10,000 and $1,000,000 — without asking basic details about the event or tailoring the quote to the requester’s needs. He then said he would require a 10 % deposit amounting to $300,000 before moving forward.

What drew particular ire was Walliser’s closing message: critics say he implied that the prospective client shouldn’t have “pretended to inquire” about his services without first asking the price, which many online users saw as rude and unnecessarily confrontational, given that the bride had simply asked how to book the service.

Screenshots of the exchange circulated widely on social platforms and forums this week, prompting sharp commentary like “How do you know she can’t afford it without prices?” and “That tone is condescending for someone offering a service.”

Public Reaction: From Backlash to Debate About the Glambot Man

The resurfaced emails quickly sparked debate among social media users, event professionals, and everyday internet commenters. Some of the most vocal critics accused Walliser of elitism and disrespect, arguing that even if his service is high-end, potential clients deserve clear communication and courtesy — not brusque remarks.

One trend on Reddit likened the email exchange to a form of condescension, with multiple comments accusing Walliser of making assumptions about the bride’s financial situation based solely on her inquiry. Users said the interaction seemed unprofessional for someone running a business that, at its core, depends on client engagement — even at premium price points.

Some critics even suggested that the episode reflected broader issues in parts of the entertainment world where luxury services interact with everyday customers, particularly when those interactions aren’t handled with warmth or respect. James Quinton, a commenter on one thread, wrote that the exchange “set the tone for how he treats people who might not be celebrity clients,” a sentiment echoed by many others online.

Supporters Push Back, Defending Walliser

Not all reactions have been negative. A portion of Walliser’s fan base and some entertainment industry observers defended him, saying the pricing reflected the reality of offering a large-scale production service, and that a quote alone might not reflect the full scope of planning required. They argued that asking for additional event details before finalizing a quote is standard practice in event production, even if the initial wording in the email seemed harsh.

Some supporters also noted that the average Glambot setup — popular at major awards shows and fashion events — includes an extensive crew, transport, permits, and post-production, which could justify the higher pricing and careful vetting of inquiries. Therefore, defenses of Walliser maintain that the email might have reflected frustration over frequent vague inquiries rather than intentional disrespect.

Impact on Professional Reputation

The resurfaced exchange comes at a time when Walliser remains a well-known figure in entertainment circles, with millions of followers across platforms like Instagram and regular appearances at red-carpet events. Glambot footage, shot from his rig, continues to be shared widely around big nights like the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Emmys.

However, the backlash over the email exchange has led some to question whether behind-the-scenes conduct — not just glamorous public footage — now plays a bigger role in shaping a director’s public reputation. Critics warn that dismissive or condescending communication can cost trust with non-celebrity customers who might otherwise be interested in high-end video services.

Broader Discussion: Etiquette in the Luxury Services World

The Walliser email saga highlights a broader conversation about how luxury brands and individuals interact with everyday clients, especially in a digital era where old communications can resurface and rapidly become public. Even expensive services with big-budget clients are not immune to scrutiny when potential customers feel ignored or disrespected in early interactions.

It also underscores how screenshots of private messages — once thought ephemeral — can now become viral flashpoints, shaping public perception long after the original exchange. In Walliser’s case, what began as a simple price inquiry has turned into a widely discussed moment about industry etiquette and professional communication.

You might also want to read: This Is Why Stars Wore “Be Good” Pins During Golden Globes