Lamine Yamal Under Investigation After Alleged Use Of Dwarf Performers At Birthday Bash

Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has called for an official investigation into allegations that entertainers with dwarfism were hired to perform at Lamine Yamal‘s 18th birthday party.

Barcelona forward, Lamine Yamal, widely regarded as one of football’s brightest prospects, reportedly hosted a lavish celebration on Sunday at a private villa in Olivella, about 50km northwest of Barcelona. The event drew several high-profile guests, including influencers, YouTubers, and teammates from his club.

But what should have been a milestone moment in Yamal’s personal life has quickly spiralled into a controversy with national implications.

Naija News reports that the Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE) publicly condemned the event, calling the alleged hiring of performers with dwarfism “unacceptable in the 21st century.”

In a strongly worded statement, the group declared: “These actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful.”

ADEE confirmed that it had filed a legal complaint, prompting the Ministry of Social Rights to respond.

In a statement to BBC Sport, the Directorate General for People with Disabilities, part of the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 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 controversy hinges on a Spanish law that explicitly bans any entertainment that uses people with disabilities “to provoke mockery, ridicule, or derision… in a manner contrary to the respect due to human dignity.”

ADEE insists the birthday party’s entertainment crossed that line, stating it “perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights” of people with disabilities.

As of now, neither Yamal nor FC Barcelona has issued a formal response. The teenager, who helped Spain lift the UEFA Euro 2024 trophy, is yet to publicly address the situation.