Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper has said that FanDuel used a personalized Cameo video he recorded for a customer without his knowledge or permission. Harper made the statement after reports revealed the video was given as a reward to a high-stakes gambler.
The controversy began after reports said a FanDuel customer named Terry Thompson received a custom video message from Harper after placing millions of dollars in wagers through the sportsbook. According to the report, Thompson had wagered approximately $18.5 million before receiving the personalized message.
The video featured Harper speaking directly to Thompson by name and also mentioning his young son. The message was reportedly delivered through Cameo, a platform where fans can purchase personalized video greetings from celebrities.
Harper responded publicly on social media, saying he was unaware of how the video would be used. He explained that if he had known FanDuel planned to use the message as a gambling-related reward, he would not have agreed to record it.
The MLB star also shared a screenshot of the original Cameo request. According to Harper, the request appeared to come from a FanDuel representative identified as the customer’s VIP manager. The message asked Harper to create the personalized greeting for the customer.
Harper said he did not know the video’s intended purpose or the customer’s reported gambling history. He added that he would not have participated if he had known more about the situation.
The issue has gained additional attention because Thompson is involved in legal action against FanDuel and DraftKings. According to court filings, the lawsuit claims Thompson suffered significant gambling losses while using the two sportsbooks.
The legal complaint reportedly states that Thompson lost about $1.5 million through FanDuel. The lawsuit also alleges that he experienced additional losses while gambling with DraftKings. The case is currently before a Pennsylvania court.
Reports also indicated that the personalized Harper video displayed FanDuel’s branding. The appearance of the company’s logo raised further questions about how the recording was used as part of customer rewards.
FanDuel responded by saying it remains committed to responsible gaming and customer protection. The company stated that its employees receive training to recognize signs of problem gambling and direct customers toward available support resources.
The company also said it regularly reviews and strengthens its responsible gaming policies. FanDuel added that it continues working to improve consumer protections across its platform.
Harper’s comments came only hours before he was scheduled to participate in Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby. Despite the timing, the discussion surrounding the Cameo video quickly spread across social media and sports news platforms.
The situation has sparked broader conversations about the use of celebrity content in gambling promotions. Industry observers say athletes and public figures may increasingly review how personalized messages are requested and used by third parties.
Cameo allows celebrities to create customized videos for fans, businesses, and special occasions. However, the Harper case has highlighted questions about transparency, consent, and how personalized content may be used after it is recorded.
Neither Harper nor FanDuel has announced any further legal action related to the video. The lawsuit involving the gambling losses also remains ongoing, and no court ruling has been issued.
As discussions continue, the case is drawing attention to responsible gaming practices, customer rewards, and the importance of obtaining clear permission before using celebrity content in promotional activities.
