Cole Walliser, a famous videographer known for creating celebrity slow-motion videos called Glambot, has spoken up after an online backlash for work unprofessionalism.
The issue started when old emails from 2019 resurfaced a few days ago. In the emails, a Nigerian woman named Yinka Animashaun who works as a dog clothing and accessory designer and lives in the US, contacted him to ask if he could film her wedding and how much it would cost. Cole’s reply came across as cold and dismissive, and many people felt it was rude and unprofessional. 
“Thanks for reaching out! Just so you are aware, the GlamBOT is a camera system and personnel used by a network television station for one of the year’s biggest red carpets. It is not cheap. If you feel like something like this might be within your budget range, then I am happy to discuss further,” he said.
When the emails began spreading on social media a few days ago, many users accused him of treating her badly because she is Black. Some people believe he assumed she couldn’t afford his services (He said it costs between $10,000 to $1,000,000), which led to conversations about racism, classism, and how creatives should treat their clients.
Later, Yinka herself spoke out and explained that she could afford the service and that she eventually had a very big, high-profile wedding. Her statement made even more people talk about how clients are judged based on where they come from.
Because of the backlash, Cole posted a video to apologise. He explained that in 2019, he was handling all his emails alone and was overwhelmed with work, which led to a poorly written response. He said he never meant to be rude and denied that his reply had anything to do with race.
ALSO READ: Archive Core or Alté—What’s The Difference?
Why Cole Walliser’s Apology Falls Flat
He also shared in the video that he is half-Chinese, which resulted in a somewhat tough childhood. He would never treat someone else the same way. He admitted that the way he replied was wrong and said he regrets how he handled the situation.
However, Cole’s defence that he’s half-Chinese and has faced racism is something many people online are questioning, and rightfully so.
Across Africa, it’s common knowledge that Africans travelling to countries like China, South Korea, Japan, and other parts of the world often face racism, stereotyping, and unequal treatment because of their skin colour, which is why his explanation misses the bigger point.
The real issue isn’t whether he meant to be racist, but whether bias influenced his response. The simple but uncomfortable question is, if the email had come from a white woman planning a wedding in Europe or the US, would the tone have been the same?
For many in the online community, the answer is obvious, and that’s where the outrage comes from. It shifts the conversation from intent to impact. Regardless of background, professionals are expected to treat all clients with respect.
Ultimately, he should have not only accepted that he sounded rude and apologised, but also committed to addressing the subconscious, internalised biases that influenced his response to ensure he does better going forward.
About The Author
