Bryce Harper has broken his silence on his involvement in a controversial FanDuel video, as he accused the online sportsbook of deceiving him to take advantage of an addicted gambler.
As uncovered by the Philadelphia Inquirer, Harper recorded a video for VIP client Terry Thompson, who gambled $18.5 million with FanDuel and wound up foreclosing on his home after taking out second and third mortgages on his home to cover losses.
Thompson also sold an ownership stake in a company that he owned for two decades as a result.
Hr is now suing FanDuel and DraftKings.
Harper’s personalized message for Thompson raised major questions, but the Phillies star claimed on his Instagram story Monday that he did not know the video’s intent when he recorded it.
“I joined Cameo to engage with fans through paid personalized videos. What happened here went beyond anything I knew about or approved,” he began.
“In November 2024, someone identifying themselves only as ‘Bryttanni’ submitted an order through Cameo for a personal ‘holiday video for Terry.’ Cameo had a separate category for business video requests, and at the time, I did not know this video would be used for commercial purposes.
“The request included a short script. I read it in good faith. FanDuel then put its own logo on the video and used it as a gambling promotion. I did not know FanDuel would do this, I did not consent to it, and FanDuel had no right to do it.”
Harper also posted a screenshot of the Cameo request from Thompson’s VIP host, Brytttani, which included the script that he ultimately read in the video.
“Hey Terry, what’s up, brother, your host Bryttanni from FanDuel wanted to make sure your Thanksgiving was extra special,” Harper said in the video.
“I just wanted to hop on here and wish your family a wonderful Thanksgiving. Tell [redacted name to protect the identity of minor] I said ‘Hello.’ I appreciate all of the support through the years.”
Harper added that he also was unaware of Thompson’s gambling addiction, and has “no affiliation with FanDuel whatsoever.”
Thompson told the Inquirer that he was addicted to micro-betting, and FanDuel gave him lavish perks such as Super Bowl tickets.
However, he ultimately lost nearly $2 million, and police were reportedly called to check on him at his home after he lost his final $10,000.
