What Is the GlamBot Controversy? Why Was Cole Walliser Absent From Grammy Awards 2026?

Published 02/01/2026, 11:02 PM EST

It starts with a flash, a pose, and a robotic swoop that turns seconds into cinematic gold. The GlamBOT rewired red carpets, freezing glamor in hypnotic slow motion and making celebrities look mythic yet oddly human.

Crowds stopped, feeds exploded, and imitation machines followed everywhere. What began as a clever camera trick became a cultural flex, a status symbol, and a spectacle machine. Loved by stars and brands alike worldwide, a controversy surrounds GlamBOT.

What exactly sparked the controversy surrounding the GlamBOT, and why did Cole Walliser's sudden absence send shockwaves through awards season, hinting at a far more unsettling reason than expected.

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Inside the GlamBOT drama: Why Cole Walliser stepped away

The GlamBOT controversy snowballed fast, mixing viral optics with resurfaced history. It began after a clipped GlamBOT exchange with Jennifer Lopez at the 2026 Golden Globes sparked online debate, then escalated when past 2019 emails showed Cole Walliser sounding dismissive toward a potential client, resulting into a drastic plot twist where the internet went from demanding justice for him to demanding an apology from him.

Walliser addressed the emails in an Instagram video, taking responsibility. While his absence from the 2026 Grammys was not officially confirmed, it is highly likely that the backlash influenced that decision, as scrutiny intensified across social media and entertainment outlets.

The fallout widened when Yinka Animashaun described the 2019 email exchange to PEOPLE, saying the interaction felt discouraging and personal. Online reaction intensified, reframing the debate from viral moments to professional conduct.

In his Instagram video, Walliser acknowledged how the messages could be perceived, addressed accusations of bias, and emphasised accountability over intent. 

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While this GlamBOT controversy went against him, the one involving Jennifer Lopez sided with him. However, Walliser did not feed from the growing fire and instead gave a very clear explanation of the same.

Inside Cole Walliser explanation of the Jennifer Lopez interaction

Cole Walliser framed his brief exchange with Jennifer Lopez that the Internet tore apart and labeled the actress as rude as calm, professional, and entirely routine amid red carpet chaos. In a follow up Instagram video, he explained that GlamBOT stops are optional and already appreciated, stressing how overwhelming those moments can be for celebrities.

He described red carpets as fast-moving and unpredictable, where personalities vary, and small talk is never guaranteed. Walliser made clear the interaction felt smooth, efficient, and drama-free, emphasising that he never interpreted Lopez's demeanour as disrespectful.

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Cole Walliser described Jennifer Lopez as focused and efficient, arriving after the red carpet had effectively wrapped and moving with purpose. He explained that she knew her move instantly, positioning herself quickly, even if that meant facing away while preparing.

Lopez, already dominating headlines as she supported Bad Bunny amidst the Super Bowl outrage.  Stacked together, the resurfaced emails, viral scrutiny, and heightened attention likely fueled mounting pressure, and all these controversies might have led to Cole Walliser skipping the 2026 Grammys.

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What do you think about the GlamBot controversy, and why might Cole Walliser have missed the 2026 Emmy Awards? Let us know in the comments below.

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Yusra Miraj Khan

1470 articles

Yusra Miraj Khan is an Entertainment Journalist at Netflix Junkie. Specializing in Taylor Swift and the British Royal Family, she transforms modern mythologies into high-ranking, reader-first narratives. Since joining in early 2025, Khan has penned over 500 articles, known for their sharp decoding of Easter eggs and PR silences.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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