The absence of Cole Walliser, known as the “Glambot Guy,” from the 2023 Grammy Awards red carpet has sparked significant conversation. Following a series of negative headlines, the entertainment network E! decided not to hire Walliser for the event, as it reevaluates its approach to future broadcasts.
Walliser has been a fixture at the Grammys since 2016, where his signature Glambot interviews captured celebrities in glamorous slow-motion moments. However, insiders revealed that his exclusion was a strategic move by E! after recent controversies surrounding his interactions with fans and other public figures.
The controversy intensified due to an exchange in 2019 involving Walliser and Yinka Animashuan, a bride-to-be. Walliser’s comments were perceived as dismissive, leading to accusations of microaggressions. As a Black woman, Animashuan’s experience has resonated with many, prompting a swift backlash against Walliser. This incident resurfaced during discussions about his absence at this year’s awards.
In an effort to address the backlash, Walliser took to Instagram, where he issued an apology video. He acknowledged the “dismissive” tone of his previous communications and explained that his demeanor was a result of being “overwhelmed” as the sole contact for Glambot bookings. Walliser emphasized his own struggles with identity and race, stating, “I would never intend to inflict that onto anybody else.”
Despite his apology, the negative sentiment around Walliser’s comments did not dissipate. E! ultimately chose to part ways with him for the Grammy event, indicating a shift in strategy regarding their red carpet coverage.
While Walliser’s absence was noted by many, it raises questions about the evolving nature of celebrity coverage at major events. With social media amplifying public scrutiny, the entertainment industry may need to reconsider how it engages with audiences and manages its public figures.
As discussions continue around Walliser and the implications of celebrity culture, the future of roles like “Glambot Guy” may be uncertain. It remains to be seen how E! and similar networks will adapt to the changing landscape of entertainment and audience expectations.
