Being a popular topic was not Yinka Animashaun’s goal. She merely inquired in 2019 about renting the Glambot, a slow-motion camera setup usually used on red carpets, for what seemed to be a private wedding. When the exchange emerged, that benign question set off a very complex dispute.
At the Golden Globes, Grammys, and Oscars, director Cole Walliser’s Glambot has captured innumerable memorable moments. Its expansive shots and well-timed glitz came to represent luxury. This time, however, it was the tone of a single email rather than the hardware that would grab the attention of the internet.
Walliser’s purported response in the screenshots circulated online starts with a disclaimer: this service is not inexpensive. That may have sounded ordinary on its own, but the wording felt especially chilly. They might discuss more if she “felt like something like this might be within your budget,” he continued. In addition to being forceful, the wording seemed unduly patronizing to many.
With composure, Animashaun replied that she was still intrigued despite her assumption that it would be an expensive undertaking. She inquired about the next course of action in a kind, straightforward, and assumption-free manner. The released messages then quoted $300,000 as the next step. According to reports, Walliser demanded a 10% down payment in order to advance. Then came the most contentious statement: “You simply needed to ask if you wanted to know how much it costs.” You don’t have to act like you’re going to make a reservation.
| Name | Yinka Animashaun |
|---|---|
| Profession | Client (Private Wedding Booker) |
| Known For | Email exchange with Glambot director Cole Walliser |
| Incident Year | 2019 (resurfaced in 2026) |
| Linked Controversy | Alleged unprofessional reply from Glambot director |
| Credible Source | Daily Mail Article |
People felt the line was very harsh.
Animashaun had done everything a polite inquirer could by utilizing her tone of professionalism and interest. But Walliser’s tone, which many found contemptuous and even offensive, conveyed a degree of skepticism about her genuineness as well as, subtly, her financial situation.
Online response was ferocious and quick. The tone was described as “deeply patronizing” and “surprisingly petty” in numerous Reddit and Instagram comments. One user observed that Walliser’s defensiveness felt “strikingly similar” to the distrust that many Black women encounter when attempting to obtain luxury services.
The fire was fueled by a second purported exchange from 2019, this time on Instagram. Another user inquired about the possibility of scheduling Walliser for a wedding. The response purportedly reminded the recipient that the Glambot only made appearances at prestigious award shows and featured five money bag emojis.
Some thought the emoji answer was funny. Others questioned if a business response should be humorous. Notably, the differences were more about how those prices were communicated—and how prospective clients were handled—than they were about the fees per se.
I’ve spent enough time working in publishing to understand how a tone can change a conversation. The tone in this instance accomplished more. It transformed a private service inquiry into a public discussion about inventive gatekeeping, price transparency, and respect.
Walliser hasn’t commented on the emails in public. But he recently addressed irrelevant comments about Jennifer Lopez, who was accused of being condescending during her Golden Globes Glambot photo shoot. Walliser justified her actions by claiming that at the time, they didn’t feel impolite at all. That nuance contrasted sharply with the interpretation of his own communications.
To be fair, freelancers frequently have to respond to irrational requests. But being able to handle unpleasant situations with poise is a necessary component of professionalism, especially at the upper end. It’s not necessary to soften the price, but it should be presented without giving the impression that someone is wasting your time.
The speed with which the public came together to support Animashaun is really telling. It wasn’t because she asked for an expensive item. The reason for this was that she reportedly approached a professional with interest and received a sneer in return.
The way exclusivity is conveyed is another topic for discussion. The Glambot is not an inexpensive instrument. It is undeniable. However, price doesn’t always have to be accompanied by ego. When representatives of a service address curiosity with dignity, the service becomes more, not less, desired.
It’s interesting to note that not everyone who supported Walliser’s pricing also supported his tone. The difference was important. Many people thought the price was reasonable, but that tone must always be based on empathy, especially when speaking with clients.
The tone we set in these early stages becomes extremely crucial when creative tools become more widely available and our clientele gets more varied. Prestige is not preserved when someone is dismissed at the door; rather, it is diminished.
If there is one positive outcome from this response, it should be that professionalism is not a luxury. This is the baseline. Additionally, in a job that relies heavily on images, your response to an email could be just as memorable as the way your camera catches a celebrity spin.
