Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is under investigation by Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights following the presence of entertainers with dwarfism at his 18th birthday party last weekend.
The private celebration, held in Olivella, about 50km west of Barcelona, triggered backlash after a video surfaced showing a group of people with dwarfism arriving at the venue.
The Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE) has since filed a formal complaint, alleging that their presence as entertainment violates the rights of people with disabilities.
In response, the ministry has requested the public prosecutor’s office to open an inquiry to determine whether any laws were broken and whether the dignity and rights of people with disabilities were infringed.
“ADEE publicly denounces the hiring of people with dwarfism as part of the entertainment,” the association said in a statement, adding that such practices “perpetuate stereotypes, fuel discrimination, and undermine the image and rights” of individuals with disabilities.
While no official footage was released from the event, which featured teammates like Gavi and Alejandro Balde as well as musical acts including Bizarrap, Bad Gyal, and Chimbala, a Catalan radio station (RAC1) interviewed one of the performers, who defended their work.
“No one disrespected us; we worked in peace,” said the anonymous performer, explaining they were part of a group of four who regularly dance, serve drinks, and perform magic tricks at events. “We are complete people who do what we love, legally… This controversy only arose because it was Lamine Yamal’s party.”
The performer also criticised ADEE, accusing the organisation of attempting to limit their career choices without providing alternatives or support.
This incident raises important questions about the entertainment industry and the portrayal and employment of individuals with disabilities.
