Barcelona and Spain football star Lamine Yamal is at the center of a growing controversy after reports emerged that entertainers with dwarfism were hired for his recent 18th birthday celebration, prompting Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights to request an official investigation.
The party, held last Sunday at a rented villa in Olivella, near Barcelona, was attended by influencers, YouTubers, and some of Yamal's Barcelona teammates. The alleged hiring of individuals with dwarfism as entertainers has drawn criticism from disability rights groups, particularly the Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE), who called the act “unacceptable in the 21st century.”
In response, the Directorate General for People with Disabilities, part of the Ministry of Social Rights, confirmed that a legal complaint had been filed by ADEE and that they had requested the Prosecutor’s Office to determine whether any laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities had been violated.
“Shows or recreational activities in which people with disabilities are used to provoke mockery, ridicule, or derision… are prohibited,” the Directorate noted, citing Spain’s General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The ADEE said in a statement that such actions "perpetuate stereotypes, fuel discrimination, and undermine the dignity and rights" of people with disabilities.
“These practices not only breach current legislation but also clash with the ethical standards of a society that aims to be inclusive and respectful,” the statement added.
Entertainer Defends Yamal, Says Work Was Voluntary and Respectful
However, Spanish radio station RAC1 aired an interview with one of the entertainers who claimed to have performed at the event. Speaking anonymously, the individual defended Yamal and pushed back against public outrage.
“No one disrespected us. We worked in peace,” the entertainer said. “We’re normal people doing a legal job. Why can’t we perform because of our physical condition?”
The performer emphasized that their participation was voluntary and that they felt fully respected during the hour-long performance, which reportedly included dancing, magic tricks, and serving drinks.
“We know our boundaries and will never allow ourselves to be mocked. We are not fairground monkeys.”
Barcelona Yet to Comment Fully
When contacted by BBC Sport, a Barcelona FC spokesperson said the club would refrain from commenting on what it views as a private matter, though noted it may revisit its stance once more details emerge.
“The club is not in a position to comment on an act that falls strictly within the private sphere,” said the spokesperson. “That said, we will reassess our position once we have concrete information.”
The case has now attracted national attention in Spain and could prompt broader discussions about ethical entertainment, social responsibility, and the portrayal of people with disabilities in private and public events.
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