Spanish football sensation Lamine Yamal is facing official scrutiny after his 18th birthday celebration reportedly featured people with dwarfism hired as entertainers. The Barcelona star’s private party took place in Olivella, about 50 kilometres west of Barcelona, and now Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has asked the prosecutor’s office to open an investigation following a formal complaint filed by the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE).
The ministry confirmed that the ADEE complaint raises questions over possible violations of the rights of people with disabilities. Reports say guests were instructed not to record the event, but a viral video emerged showing a group of dwarf performers arriving at the venue, fueling public debate about the nature of the entertainment.
Defending their work, one of the entertainers involved shared in an interview with RAC1 that the group was treated respectfully and allowed to do their job without any issues. The performer argued that the backlash from the ADEE harms their livelihood, explaining that they enjoy their work and do it legally and voluntarily. He added that the controversy seemed to escalate simply because it involved the popular young footballer’s milestone celebration.
So far, Lamine Yamal and his representatives have not issued any official statement regarding the investigation. The Barcelona forward, who recently helped his team clinch a remarkable domestic treble with victories in La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Super Super Cup, is considered a top contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or award.