MLB Star Harper Consulting Lawyers Over FanDuel Use of Cameo Video
Mike Goodpaster Published 14/07/2026
MLB Star Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies is consulting lawyers over FanDuel's use of a Cameo video he made. Harper claims that unbeknownst to him, FanDuel sent a video he made for a subscriber on Cameo to a VIP bettor with a FanDuel account who is a confessed gambling addict.
Harper says he has no affiliation with FanDuel, and he had no idea that the video would be used for commercial purposes by the sports betting site. He is currently consulting with legal counsel about what his next move should be.
Will Phillies outfielder Harper sue FanDuel and Cameo?
The Philadelphia Inquirer. made the recent discovery of Harper's recording of a Cameo in November 2024. Cameo is an Internet service enabling customers to purchase videos recorded by celebrities who are Cameo clients.
The video was for Terry Thompson, a VIP customer of FanDuel Sportsbook. Thompson, a habitual gambler, has lost more than $1.5 million in six years on the site. He was given a gambling addiction diagnosis in February.
In the video, Harper says, "Hey, Terry, what's up, brother? Hey man, your host, Bryttani from FanDuel, wanted to make sure your Thanksgiving was extra special."
Thompson is suing FanDuel and DraftKings. In the suit, he claims that FanDuel continued to entice him to gamble by presenting him with exclusive rewards. The enticements included a $500 bottle of wine and tickets to two Super Bowls.
Paying two-time National League MVP Harper for recording the aforementioned video was another reward presentation to Thompson. However, Harper insists that he had no idea of this plan when he was recording the video.
The mandate for sports betting sites like FanDuel is to encourage customers to gamble responsibly. They are to offer help and supply access to resources for players who are problem gamblers.
Harper goes on the offensive to defend himself
In his first comment on the situation, Harper opted to release a statement about the video and his role in this situation.
"I joined Cameo to engage with fans through paid personalized videos," Harper explained in his statement. "What happened here went beyond anything I knew about or approved.
"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.
"Had I known FanDuel's true intent, I would not have made the video. The same is true had I known anything about Terry or his situation, or about any alleged 'partnership' between Cameo and FanDuel.
"Contrary to the Inquirer's suggestion, I did not know the Cameo video would be used for a FanDuel VIP promotion, and I have no affiliation with FanDuel whatsoever.
"Counsel has directed me not to comment any further at this time."
There was no violation of MLB rules
Harper didn't violate any MLB rules with his video recording, but it's fair to say that he skated close to the line. MLB players may enter into partnerships with sportsbooks. There is a prohibition on directly encouraging people to bet on baseball.
As for MLB, it does hold direct partnership agreements with several sports betting sites, including FanDuel.
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