Bryce Harper Denies Consent for FanDuel Video: 'I Did Not Know FanDuel's True Intent'

Bryce Harper Denies Consent for FanDuel Video: 'I Did Not Know FanDuel's True Intent'

Bryce Harper, the Philadelphia Phillies star, has spoken out about his involvement in a Cameo video sent by FanDuel to a gambler. In a statement released on his Instagram account, Harper stated that he was hoodwinked into filming a personalized message for the fan, Terry Thompson.

What happened?

On November 2024, Harper received a video request on Cameo from someone identified as "Bryttanni." The request came with a brief script that suggested Harper could add personal touches to the message. Harper followed the script in the video, wishing Thompson and his family a happy Thanksgiving and thanking the recipient for his support.

Why it matters for Bryce Harper

Harper claims that he had no knowledge of the video's commercial purpose and did not consent to its use. He stated that he believed the video was a personal request on Cameo and did not know that FanDuel would use it as a gambling promotion. Harper also expressed his concern about how Cameo communicates requests from partners like FanDuel.

What comes next?

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is reviewing the video, according to ESPN. Harper's statement raises questions about how he vets those requests and how Cameo communicates requests from partners like FanDuel. Harper could pursue litigation against FanDuel for using his image without his consent.

In a screenshot Harper shared, the request came with a brief script: "Hey Terry, Your host Bryttanni (Britt-knee) from FanDuel wanted to make sure your Thanksgiving was extra special, so I just wanted to hop on and wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving. Tell Max (son) I said hello!" Harper followed that script in the video, then ended by thanking the recipient for his support and wishing him a happy holiday.

"I read (the script) in good faith," Harper said in the statement. "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."

A recent report from Front Office Sports confirmed that FanDuel and Cameo have a partnership that permits Cameo videos to be purchased for FanDuel VIP bettors. Harper contended that he believed at the time this was a personal request on Cameo.

"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," Harper said in the statement.

Harper, who has made more than $250 million in his career, has rates beginning at $899 to purchase personal messages, according to his Cameo page. This instance raises questions about how Harper vets those requests and how Cameo communicates requests from partners like FanDuel.

category: player_focus