Spanish football star Lamine Yamal is under investigation after reports surfaced that he hired people with dwarfism to perform at his 18th birthday party. The incident, which took place in Olivella, a town near Barcelona, has sparked outrage among disability rights advocates in Spain.
Yamal, who plays for Barcelona and recently made headlines with his performances at Euro 2024, celebrated his birthday on Sunday with several friends, YouTubers, influencers, and some Barcelona teammates. According to reports, he included entertainers with dwarfism as part of the celebration.
This move has drawn criticism from the Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE). The group said hiring people with dwarfism for entertainment is “unacceptable in the 21st century” and “perpetuates harmful stereotypes.”
ADEE has filed a legal complaint, prompting Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights to ask the country’s prosecutor’s office to investigate whether Yamal violated the rights of people with disabilities.
According to Spanish law, any form of public entertainment that mocks or disrespects people with disabilities is prohibited.
A statement from ADEE read:
“These actions violate not only current legislation but also the ethical values of a society that wants to be equal and respectful.”
However, one of the performers at the party defended Yamal in an interview with Spanish radio station RAC1. The unnamed entertainer said they were not disrespected and described the experience as professional and positive.
“We’re normal people doing legal work,” the performer said. “We danced, served drinks, did magic. Everyone had fun.”
The artist argued that their profession should not be questioned simply because of their physical condition.
Barcelona Football Club said it was not in a position to comment on a private event but noted it may revisit the matter once it has full details.
As the investigation unfolds, this case is raising broader questions in Spain about dignity, consent, and the portrayal of people with disabilities in entertainment.
