A Spanish disability rights group has announced its intention to take legal action following reports that individuals with dwarfism were hired as entertainment at the recent 18th birthday party of Barcelona footballer Lamine Yamal.
The Spanish international, who played a key role in helping his country win the European Championship last year, celebrated his coming of age on Saturday with a lavish party attended by music stars such as Bizarrap, Bad Gyal and Quevedo. A number of his Barcelona teammates and social media influencers were also present.
However, the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) issued a statement criticising the alleged use of dwarf performers at the event. The group said such practices reinforced harmful stereotypes, encouraged discrimination and violated the dignity of people with disabilities.
Spain’s disability rights law prohibits any form of entertainment or recreational activity that uses individuals with disabilities in a way that provokes ridicule or diminishes their dignity.
“It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, people with dwarfism are still used for entertainment at private parties, particularly when public figures are involved,” said ADEE president Carolina Puente. “The dignity and rights of our community cannot be a source of amusement under any circumstances.”
Representatives for Yamal have not responded to requests for comment.
Yamal shared a one-minute video of the celebration on Instagram on Monday, showing scenes from the evening, including Barcelona players Gavi and Robert Lewandowski playing poker and roulette. The video did not appear to include footage of any individuals with dwarfism.
The teenager, who enjoyed a successful season with Barcelona by winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, wore a white suit with a red rose in his lapel, accessorised with jewellery and a cane in line with the party’s Italian gangster theme.