Shock: Yamal risks jail for insulting dwarfs

The uproar over hiring a dwarf to perform at an 18th birthday party could cost Lamine Yamal a hefty price, according to Spanish law.

Yamal is facing a lot of criticism - Photo: REUTERS

Overview of the incident

Late on July 14, Spanish media suddenly revealed the incident of Lamine Yamal hiring a dwarf to perform at his 18th birthday party, also known as his coming of age party.

Immediately, this incident caused outrage because it was offensive to people with achondroplasia, one of the disabled groups protected by society.

Spanish media reported that authorities had formally requested prosecutors to investigate. Under current law, Yamal could face heavy civil penalties.

He even risks criminal prosecution with a sentence of up to four years in prison if determined to have intentionally insulted a person with a disability.

The party was held late on July 13. Images circulating on social media showed a lavish party space with music , dancers, luxurious decorations and especially the appearance of actors with dwarfism, who were said to play a humorous entertainment role.

Although the clip did not directly show any offensive behavior, the presence of the dwarf as a “decorative element” at the party sparked a strong wave of outrage from organizations protecting the rights of people with disabilities.

The Spanish Association of People with Achondroplasia - ADEE for short - was the first to speak out.

In an official statement, ADEE asserted that using dwarfs as entertainment tools is an insult to human dignity, reinforces social prejudice and is seriously discriminatory.

“We don’t care whether they volunteered or not. It is unacceptable for a celebrity like Yamal to host a party that stigmatizes people with disabilities. It sets a dangerous precedent and sends the wrong message about equality,” the association said.

In response to public backlash, the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights has officially transferred the case file to the Public Prosecutor's Office in charge of the rights of people with disabilities to investigate possible violations of the law.

According to the Ministry's spokesperson, if there are signs of discrimination based on disability, the matter can be handled in both directions: administrative and criminal.

Why is Yamal facing a heavy penalty?

The key legal basis in this case is Law 15/2022 on Equality of Treatment and Non-Discrimination, passed on 12 July 2022.

Specifically, Article 2 of the law states: “The objective of this law is to ensure substantive and effective equality, to prevent and eliminate all forms of discrimination, whether direct or indirect, especially related to disability.”

Meanwhile, Article 3 emphasizes: “Any act that harms the dignity or creates an offensive, hostile, degrading or degrading environment for a person on the basis of disability shall be considered discrimination.”

Article 28 of the law also clearly stipulates the act of organizing events: "Organizing events that use the physical characteristics of people with disabilities for the purpose of entertainment, laughter or disparaging performances is strictly prohibited."

However, if the investigation determines that Yamal's actions were overt, discriminatory, or caused real harm to the disabled community, the case could be prosecuted under Article 510 of the Spanish Penal Code. This provision states: "Anyone who publicly promotes, promotes or justifies acts of discrimination, hatred or violence against a group of people on the basis of disability shall be punished by imprisonment for a term of one to four years and a ban from public employment for a term of one to six years."

Image of dwarves performing at Yamal's party - Photo: AS

Many fans defended Yamal, arguing that the actors were invited voluntarily. However, according to lawyers, this is not enough to exempt them from legal liability if the organization's actions are determined to have violated the law.

The Spanish Commission for the Representation of Disabled Persons (CERMI) has also voiced its support for the ministry’s investigation. In a statement released on July 14, CERMI stressed: “What happened at Yamal’s party is no different from the medieval circuses of disabled people – something that modern society needs to stop. Celebrities have an even greater responsibility to behave properly.”

Currently, Yamal has not made any official statement. Barca's representative also refused to comment, only saying that "they will consider the case carefully".

However, according to legal experts in Spain, if Yamal admits his mistake and proactively apologizes publicly, he can avoid criminal prosecution, but cannot avoid a very heavy administrative fine - possibly up to 1 million euros.

On the contrary, if Yamal or his team deny responsibility and do not take corrective action, the prosecution agency can absolutely request to prosecute the Barca superstar.

HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/soc-yamal-co-nguy-co-ngoi-tu-vi-xuc-pham-nguoi-lun-20250715095852413.htm