Bryce Harper recently addressed his role in a contentious FanDuel video, accusing the online sportsbook of misleading him to exploit a gambler battling addiction.
Per the Philadelphia Inquirer, Harper had filmed a video message for Terry Thompson, a VIP client who gambled away $18.5 million with FanDuel. Thompson faced financial ruin, eventually losing his home after securing second and third mortgages to cover his mounting losses.
In a desperate attempt to recoup financial stability, Thompson also parted with a company stake he had held for twenty years.
Thompson has now filed lawsuits against both FanDuel and DraftKings.
The personalized video message Harper made for Thompson stirred significant controversy. However, the Phillies star released a statement on Instagram Monday, asserting that he was unaware of the video’s full purpose when he participated.
“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.