Bryce Harper says FanDuel used a Cameo video he recorded without telling him it would be turned into a VIP gambling promotion, after The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the clip was sent to a bettor who said he lost about $1.5 million on the sportsbook.
On Monday, hours before the MLB All-Star Home Run Derby, Harper addressed the episode in Instagram stories. He said he joined Cameo to make paid personalized videos for fans, and that in November 2024 someone identifying as Bryttanni ordered a holiday message for Terry.
Harper said Cameo had a separate category for business requests, but he did not know the video would be used commercially. He said the request came with a short script, which he read in good faith, and wrote that had he known FanDuel’s true intent, he would not have made the video.
He also said he did not consent to the use, did not know FanDuel would do what it did and believed the company had no right to do it. He denied any affiliation with FanDuel, and CBS Sports reported that there was no evidence he had an official partnership with the sportsbook or knew that Terry Thompson had a gambling addiction.
The original report said Thompson first used FanDuel during the 2020 NFL season, later wagered $18.5 million with the company and earned VIP status. It also said FanDuel awards five points for every dollar paid on a contest entry fee, and that bettors need 600,000 points, which expire after a year of inactivity, to reach VIP status.
By late November 2024, according to that report, Thompson received a 21-second personalized video from Harper that was marked with FanDuel’s logo. In the clip, Harper addressed Thompson by name, acknowledged his young son and referred to a request from “your host Bryttanni at FanDuel” to make his Thanksgiving extra special.
Harper was not named in the March lawsuit filed by attorneys for the nonprofit Public Health Advocacy Institute. The suit alleges FanDuel and VIP host Bryttanni Morgan used promotions and gifts to keep Thompson betting, says Morgan encouraged him to place more wagers even as he showed signs of financial strain, and puts his losses at nearly $2 million.
A FanDuel spokesperson said the company is committed to fostering a culture of responsible gaming and protecting customers, and that it continues to review and strengthen its policies. Pennsylvania regulators also said they were reviewing the matter.
