Insiders speak out
A Spanish disability rights group has pledged to take legal action over the alleged hiring of a dwarf to perform at the recent 18th birthday party of Barcelona soccer star Lamine Yamal, denouncing the move as discriminatory, Reuters reported.
The young winger, who helped Spain win EURO 2024, celebrated his coming of age on July 12 with a lavish party attended by many famous guests from the music industry such as Bizarrap, Bad Gyal and Quevedo, along with many of his Barcelona teammates and social media influencers.
Photos allegedly from inside Lamine Yamal's birthday party
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The Spanish Association of People with Congenital Dwarfism and Other Skeletal Disorders (ADEE) said in a statement that using dwarfs as entertainment at Yamal's party perpetuated stereotypes, promoted discrimination and undermined the dignity and rights of people with disabilities.
The association cited Spain's Disability Rights Law, which prohibits shows or entertainment activities from using people with disabilities in a way that causes ridicule or harms their dignity.
Why is Lamine Yamal in trouble with the Dwarfism Association?
“It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, dwarves are still being used as entertainment at private parties, especially when public figures are present,” said ADEE President Carolina Puente. “The dignity and rights of our community cannot be used for entertainment under any circumstances.”
Meanwhile, Marca quoted a performer, interviewed anonymously, criticizing ADEE's stance: "We are artists - we dance, do magic and serve drinks. No one disrespects us; this noise only exists because it's Yamal's party."
Dwarf performers are seen preparing for a performance at Yamal's party.
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According to Marca, the artists also accused the association of "damaging their livelihoods" without offering alternative work or training, stressing their right to professional autonomy.
Representatives for Yamal did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
Yamal posted a minute-long video of highlights from the party on his Instagram account on July 13, including footage of Barcelona teammates Gavi and Robert Lewandowski playing poker and roulette, although the video does not appear to show anyone with dwarfism, a genetic disorder that causes short stature.
The Spaniard wore a white suit with a red rose on the lapel, flashy jewellery and carried a cane, in keeping with the party's "Italian gangster" theme.
Scandal affects Lamine Yamal's image
Yamal made his debut for Barcelona's first team at the end of the 2022-2023 season, at the age of 15. Just one year later, this young talent made a huge contribution to Spain's journey to the EURO championship. In the 2024-2025 season, Yamal continued to shine with 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 matches, making an important contribution to Barcelona winning the domestic treble of La Liga, Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey.
Yamal is a big star of Spanish football.
PHOTO: REUTERS
He is considered the number 1 star of Spanish football at the age of 18. Famous from a very young age, Yamal is also considered an idol of young people in the land of bulls. Therefore, Lamine Yamal's party was condemned by many people as not suitable for the image of a person with great influence like him.
The scandal threatens Yamal’s carefully crafted image. Having signed a contract with a €1 billion release clause after last season, he now faces potential legal battles and uncertainty from his sponsor. Barcelona’s silence underscores the dilemma they face: protect their star or distance themselves from any ethical breaches.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nghe-si-nguoi-lun-bieu-dien-o-tiec-sinh-nhat-yamal-len-tieng-khong-ai-thieu-ton-trong-chung-toi-185250715094436267.htm
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