GlamBOT director Cole Walliser apologises after past emails resurface

GlamBOT director Cole Walliser is apologizing after coming under criticism for old emails in which he appeared dismissive toward a potential client, following renewed attention sparked by his viral interaction with Jennifer Lopez at the 2026 Golden Globes.

Walliser drew headlines earlier this month after a brief exchange with Lopez at the GlamBOT photo station on the Jan. 11 red carpet circulated widely on social media. While some viewers scrutinized Lopez’s behavior in the clip, attention soon shifted to Walliser after screenshots of emails from 2019 were shared online by a woman who said she had contacted him about hiring the GlamBOT for her wedding.

In a video posted to Instagram on Jan. 28, Walliser acknowledged the emails, saying their tone was “dismissive and curt” and taking responsibility for how they came across.

The woman who shared the emails, Yinka Animashaun, told People that she was hurt by the exchange and said Walliser’s response was inappropriate for a potential client. 

Walliser also addressed accusations of racial bias that followed the resurfacing of the emails. He said being labeled racist was particularly painful, noting that he is half Chinese and has personally struggled with issues of identity and belonging. He said he understands why readers might perceive bias and apologized for the harm caused.

The controversy followed Walliser’s earlier response to online criticism over his interaction with Lopez. In a separate Instagram video, he said he did not find the exchange rude and described the moment as rushed, noting that the red carpet had already closed when Lopez arrived.

Walliser said he has grown since the emails were written and is committed to doing better.

“I want to focus on improving and working toward being better,” he said.