The Glambot has become one of Hollywood’s most famous red carpet attractions. Celebrities spin, strut, and pose as the high-speed camera captures every moment in dramatic slow motion. But in early 2026, the camera rig found itself at the centre of an unexpected controversy.
Cole Walliser faced criticism after old emails resurfaced showing a reportedly dismissive response to a wedding inquiry. Around the same time, acclaimed filmmaker Joseph Kahn claimed he created the Glambot back in 2016. The revelation raised questions: did Walliser steal the idea, or did he simply bring it to the masses?
What exactly is the Glambot?
The Glambot isn’t just a camera. It’s a sophisticated setup combining high-speed filming, controlled movement, specific lenses, and precise lighting. The result is cinematic slow-motion footage that makes red carpet moments feel larger than life.
Over the years, it has become a staple at major events like the Golden Globes and the Grammys. For many fans, the Glambot is now as iconic as the red carpet itself.
Joseph Kahn claims he created the Glambot
As Walliser faced backlash, Joseph Kahn posted on X claiming he was the original creator. He said he developed the lighting, camera movement, lenses, and overall method while working with E! Network in 2016.
Kahn also revealed he personally operated the rig during that period, even while managing his own music projects and winning a Grammy. He later stepped away due to other commitments like directing music videos and Super Bowl commercials. Fans were surprised, with one user joking, “Joseph Kahn casually revealing he invented the Glambot was not on my 2026 bingo card.”
Walliser became the face of the Glambot after Kahn left. He directed the camera at major red carpets and helped make it a viral sensation, with clips racking up millions of views.
Importantly, Walliser never publicly claimed to have invented the Glambot. Fans describe him as the populariser rather than the creator. One user on X explained, “Joseph Kahn built the blueprint. Cole Walliser made it famous.”
The wedding email controversy
Renewed attention on Walliser came after old emails from 2019 resurfaced. A Nigerian fashion designer asked about booking the Glambot for her wedding. Walliser allegedly questioned whether the service was within her budget before sharing a price range. Critics said the tone seemed condescending and dismissive.
Some fans defended him, saying it’s common for high-end services to filter serious inquiries. The controversy intensified after Walliser publicly defended Jennifer Lopez during her Glambot shoot at the Golden Globes. Critics pointed out the irony of defending a celebrity against rudeness claims while facing similar accusations himself.
Did Walliser steal the Glambot idea?
Currently, there’s no evidence Walliser stole the Glambot concept. Joseph Kahn developed it under E!, and Walliser later refined it and brought it to a global audience. In the entertainment industry, this kind of handover is common. Public credit often goes to the person with visibility, not necessarily the originator.
The Glambot debate highlights a broader issue in creative industries: invention and execution are different skills. Fans now feel Joseph Kahn deserves more recognition for the original idea, while Walliser’s execution also merits credit. As one user wrote, “Creation and execution are different skills. Both matter.”
