PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 06: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on in the dugout before a game against the Athletics at Citizens Bank Park on May 06, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Philadelphia Phillies star first baseman Bryce Harper has publicly addressed a controversy surrounding the personalized video that was sent via FanDuel to a gambling addict who is now suing the platform.
Last week, news surfaced that the superstar slugger had been featured in a video thanking Terry Thompson for his use of the platform as he lost more than $1.8 million in sports bets. Thompson is now engaged in a lawsuit against FanDuel, claiming the platform encouraged his gambling addiction.
Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper Offers Response To Controversial FanDuel Video
On Monday, Harper broke his silence on the story, posting a long comment on his Instagram page to refute suggestions that he had knowingly encouraged Thompson to continue using FanDuel.
“I joined Cameo to engage with fans through paid personalized videos. What happened here went beyond anything I knew about or approved,” Harper’s post, as relayed by Crossing Broad’s Luke Arcaini, read. “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.”
Harper directly refuted a report in The Philadelphia Inquirer that unearthed the thank you video, which was sent to Thompson in November 2024.
“Contrary to the Inquirer’s suggestion, l did not know the Cameo video would be used for a FanDuel VIP promotion, and I have no affiliation with FanDuel whatsoever,” Harper added on Instagram.
However, the video depicts Harper specifically noting that he had been asked to create the video by a FanDuel representative.
“While Harper said on Monday that he was unaware of FanDuel’s intent, he states in the video that he’s reaching out at the request of Thompson’s VIP manager — ‘your host Bryttanni at FanDuel’ — who wanted to ensure that he had an ‘extra special Thanksgiving,’” The Philadelphia Inquirer’s William Bender and David Gambacorta noted shortly after Harper issued his Instagram response.
Investigation Launches After Bryce Harper FanDuel Video Surfaces
Shortly after the Inquirer unearthed Harper’s thank you video, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board announced that it intended to review the matter.
“We are aware of the situation and are reviewing it,” the board said, according to ESPN’s David Purdum.
As that investigation occurs and Thompson’s lawsuit with FanDuel evolves, Harper indicated that he would not be offering any more commentary about his role.
“Counsel has directed me not to comment any further at this time,” the Phillies superstar added on Instagram.