Cole Walliser Absent From 2026 Grammys Red Carpet After Controversy

Cole Walliser, the director behind the viral GlamBOT camera, was noticeably absent from the 2026 Grammy Awards red carpet. Known for capturing celebrities in dramatic slow-motion clips, Walliser has been a staple at awards shows for years. However, this time, E! shared behind-the-scenes footage showing a woman directing Bad Bunny’s photo op instead of Walliser. PEOPLE later confirmed he was not present at the event.

Recent Controversies

Walliser’s absence comes after a series of headlines in January. He first addressed viral speculation that Jennifer Lopez had been rude to him at the Golden Globes. Clips of Lopez walking away sparked debate online, but Walliser clarified that he did not take offense, explaining that red carpets are chaotic environments where celebrities are often rushed.

Shortly after, a resurfaced email exchange from 2019 drew criticism. In the emails, Walliser appeared to question whether a client, Yinka Animashaun, could afford his GlamBOT services before sharing the six- to seven-figure fee. Animashaun later said she was left “hurt” and “angry” by the interaction.

Public Apology

On January 27, Walliser posted an Instagram video apologizing for his tone and actions. He explained that at the time he was working alone, overwhelmed by editing and correspondence, but acknowledged that this was not an excuse. “Everything lands on me,” he said.

Walliser also addressed accusations of bias. “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 admitted that his words could be interpreted as dismissive, especially given the experiences of people of color, and took responsibility.

A Noticeable Absence

Walliser’s apology came just days before the Grammys, where his absence was widely noted. The GlamBOT has become a signature part of red carpet coverage, often going viral with celebrity interactions. Without Walliser, the segment looked different, raising questions about whether he will return for future events.