Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights is calling for a formal investigation following claims that entertainers with dwarfism were hired to perform at Lamine Yamal’s 18th birthday celebration.
The Barcelona wonderkid reportedly hosted a private bash on Sunday in Olivella, a town near Barcelona, with influencers, YouTubers, and teammates in attendance. However, the spotlight quickly shifted from celebration to controversy.
The Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE) criticized the event, calling the alleged hiring of individuals with dwarfism for entertainment “deeply inappropriate and degrading in today’s society.”
In their statement, ADEE emphasized, “This type of entertainment doesn’t just violate existing laws—it goes against the very principles of dignity and equality.”
They’ve since filed a legal complaint, prompting the Directorate General for People with Disabilities—part of Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights—to urge the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate whether any laws or human rights were breached.
Spanish legislation clearly prohibits any entertainment that uses individuals with disabilities in a way that invites ridicule or humiliation, a point ADEE says was crossed during Yamal’s party. “This reinforces harmful stereotypes and diminishes the rights and humanity of those affected,” the group stated.
Neither Lamine Yamal nor FC Barcelona has commented publicly on the allegations. Yamal, who recently made headlines for helping Spain win UEFA Euro 2024, has yet to issue a statement regarding the unfolding matter.
