Phillies Star Bryce Harper Claims FanDuel Had ‘No Authority’ to Utilize Cameo Video |

Star outfielder Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies has revealed he was not aware that a video he created for a platform where fans can request custom messages from celebrities was utilized by FanDuel in a VIP promotion aimed at a compulsive gambler.

Bryce Harper, FanDuel, Cameo, gambling addiction, Terry Thompson, VIP program — Bryce Harper, during the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on July 13, expressed that he did not agree to have the video used in a FanDuel VIP campaign. (Image: Getty)

The personalized message was sent in November 2024 to Terry Thompson, who reportedly lost $2 million betting through FanDuel, as cited by the Philadelphia Inquirer. The video featured Harper personally addressing Thompson, wishing him “an extra-special Thanksgiving” and inquiring about his family.

By February 2026, Thompson squandered his last $10,000 on a parlay bet with DraftKings after selling his financial firm and opting for additional mortgages to support his gambling addiction. Struggling to reveal the truth about his losses to his loved ones, he texted his therapist about suicidal thoughts, leading to a police intervention.

‘I Did Not Give My Consent’

“I was unaware that FanDuel intended to use this,” Harper stated in a message shared on Instagram on Monday (July 13). “I did not approve, and FanDuel had no authorization to do so.”

“What transpired is far beyond my knowledge or consent,” Harper continued, stressing he has no ties with FanDuel. He expressed that he joined the celebrity messaging service Cameo to “connect with fans.”

“Had I been informed of FanDuel’s true intentions, I would never have created that video,” he added. “The same goes for if I had any prior knowledge about Terry or his circumstances, or any supposed ‘affiliation’ between Cameo and FanDuel.”

Harper noted that he was approached on Cameo by an individual identifying as “Bryttanni,” requesting a personal “holiday greeting for Terry.” The request came with a brief script that Harper said he read “in good faith.”

He was unaware that the video would be leveraged for commercial promotion and did not authorize FanDuel to affix their logo to the video or use it in a gambling campaign.

Lawsuit Targets VIP Hosts

Terry Thompson is taking legal action against FanDuel in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Filed on March 24 by the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI), the lawsuit claims both FanDuel and rival DraftKings provide “unreasonably hazardous products specifically designed to enhance addiction.”

The legal complaint also names several VIP hosts alleged to have pretended to befriend customers, providing them with luxury items and Super Bowl tickets to keep them gambling, even when signs of addiction became apparent.

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