Lamine Yamal in hot water for dwarfism controversy surrounding his 18th birthday party celebrations in Spain.
Following reports that Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal hired people with dwarfism to perform at his 18th birthday party, Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has requested that the prosecutor’s office look into the matter.
On Sunday, Lamine Yamal threw a party at a rental home in Olivella, a tiny community 50 km northwest of Barcelona. YouTubers, influencers, and a few Barcelona teammates were among the attendees.
According to the Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE), it is “unacceptable in the 21st century” that Lamine Yamal allegedly employed a troupe of entertainers who had dwarfism.
Directorate General for People with Disabilities – part of the Ministry of Social Rights, ConsumerAffairs, and 2030 Agenda – said: “ADEE has filed a legal complaint.
“Therefore, this Directorate General has asked the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate to determine whether the law and, therefore, the rights of people with disabilities have been violated.”
The ADEE said it “publicly denounces the hiring of people with dwarfism as part of the entertainment,” and said it would take legal action as it “perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights” of people with disabilities.
In a statement it said: “These actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful.
“The general law on the rights of persons with disabilities expressly prohibits the following practices: ‘Shows or recreational activities in which people with disabilities or other circumstances are used to provoke mockery, ridicule, or derision from the public in a manner contrary to the respect due to human dignity are prohibited’.”
A Barcelona spokesperson said the club was “not in a position to comment on an act that falls strictly within the private sphere”, but added their position would be reassessed once “concrete information” has been ascertained.