Lamine Yamal Faces Investigation Over Alleged Use of Entertainers with Dwarfism at Birthday Party
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has found himself at the centre of an unexpected controversy after Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights asked prosecutors to investigate his recent birthday bash. The reason? Allegations that he hired people with dwarfism to perform at the event.
Lamine Yamal held his 18th birthday party early on Sunday at a rented property in Olivella, just outside Barcelona. The guest list included YouTubers, influencers, and a handful of Barcelona team-mates. But what’s sparked outrage is a reported booking of entertainers with dwarfism as part of the festivities.
According to ADEE, the Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain, this sort of entertainment has no place in a modern society. The group called the move “unacceptable in the 21st century” and has taken legal action.
When contacted by BBC Sport, the Directorate General for People with Disabilities, which falls under Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, confirmed the complaint and issued the following statement:
“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.”
ADEE didn’t hold back either. In a formal statement, they 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.”
The other side of the story
But the backlash hasn’t gone unanswered. Spanish radio station RAC1 aired an interview with someone who claims to have been one of the entertainers at the party. The performer, who asked to remain anonymous, defended Lamine Yamal and the event.
“No-one disrespected us, we worked in peace. I don’t understand why there’s so much hype. We’re normal people, who do what we want, in an absolutely legal way.
We work as entertainers. Why can’t we do it? Because of our physical condition?
We know what our limit is and we will never exceed it: we are not fairground monkeys.”
They added that the gig lasted about an hour and ended with the entertainers joining the party.
“We dance, we distribute drinks, we do magic… there are many types of shows. Everyone had a great time.”
What now?
As of now, Lamine Yamal has not issued a public response. The legal process is in motion, and it will be up to the prosecutor’s office to decide if any laws were broken. But this incident has already sparked a national debate about disability rights, representation, and entertainment ethics in Spain.
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