Rights Group Condemns Entertainment at Lamine Yamal’s Party, Legal Action Considered

Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has requested that prosecutors look into Barcelona footballer Lamine Yamal after reports surfaced that individuals with dwarfism were hired as entertainers for his 18th birthday celebration.

The party, which took place on Sunday at a private residence in Olivella—around 50 km from Barcelona—was attended by friends, social media personalities, and some of Yamal’s teammates from FC Barcelona.

According to allegations, Yamal employed performers with dwarfism as part of the entertainment lineup. This prompted criticism from the Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE), which condemned the act as “inappropriate and outdated.”

In a statement to the AFP news agency, Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights confirmed that the ADEE had filed a formal complaint. The ministry is seeking clarification from the prosecutor’s office to determine whether the incident violated any disability rights laws.

The ADEE said it was taking legal action, arguing that such performances reinforce harmful stereotypes, contribute to social stigma, and degrade the dignity of individuals with disabilities.

“These actions are not only ethically questionable but may contravene current laws that safeguard the rights and dignity of people with disabilities,” the organization stated. They cited Spanish legislation that explicitly bans using individuals with disabilities in entertainment acts designed to elicit mockery or ridicule.

Despite the backlash, Spanish radio outlet RAC1 aired an interview with a person claiming to be one of the entertainers present at the event, who defended Yamal’s decision. The performer, who remained anonymous, rejected the notion that the performance was disrespectful.

“There was no disrespect at all. We did our job in peace,” the artist said. “We’re professionals who choose to work this way. Why should our physical condition stop us?”

He emphasized that the performance lasted around an hour and included activities like dancing, serving drinks, and magic tricks. “We’re not circus attractions. We’re entertainers like anyone else,” he added.

When approached for comment by BBC Sport, a Barcelona spokesperson declined to weigh in on what they described as a private matter. However, they noted that the club may review its stance if further verified information becomes available.

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