Barcelona football star Lamine Yamal is under investigation by Spanish authorities following a complaint over the presence of dwarf performers at his recent 18th birthday celebration.
Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights confirmed to AFP that it has requested the prosecutor’s office to look into the matter after a formal complaint was filed by the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE).
The group alleges the inclusion of people with dwarfism as entertainment at the party violates anti-discrimination laws and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
Yamal celebrated his birthday with a private party in Olivella, about 50km west of Barcelona, on the night before his official birthday, Sunday.
The event was attended by several of his FC Barcelona teammates and notable music celebrities, including Bizarrap and Bad Gyal.
In a statement, the Social Rights Ministry said: “The ADEE has filed a complaint, so this ministry has asked the prosecutor’s office to investigate to see if the law has been violated and whether the rights of people with disabilities were infringed.”
The ADEE criticized the use of performers with dwarfism as entertainment, saying it contributes to societal discrimination and devalues their image and rights.
A short video of several performers entering the party surfaced despite a strict no-filming policy at the event.
One of the entertainers, speaking anonymously to Catalan radio station RAC1, defended their participation.
“No one disrespected us. We were allowed to work in peace,” the performer said, explaining that they typically entertain guests with dancing, serving drinks, and performing magic.
“We’re normal people doing a job we enjoy, legally and voluntarily.
“This controversy is only getting attention because it was Lamine Yamal’s party.”
The performer also accused ADEE of trying to restrict their work opportunities without offering alternative support or training.
Yamal’s camp has not commented on the issue.
The teenage football sensation has been hailed as a rising star in global football and is seen as a potential Ballon d’Or contender after a stellar season in which he helped Barcelona secure a domestic treble, scoring 25 goals in 106 appearances since debuting at age 15.
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