Barcelona footballer Lamine Yamal is under scrutiny after reports emerged that he hired individuals with dwarfism to perform at his 18th birthday celebration, prompting Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights to request an investigation by the country’s prosecutor’s office.
The party took place on Sunday in Olivella, a town about 50km northwest of Barcelona, and was attended by YouTubers, social media influencers, and several of Yamal’s Barcelona teammates.
The controversy centers on allegations that Yamal enlisted a group of entertainers with dwarfism, a move strongly condemned by the Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE). The group described the act as “unacceptable in the 21st century” and confirmed it has filed a legal complaint.
In a statement to BBC Sport, Spain’s Directorate General for People with Disabilities confirmed the complaint and said it had formally requested the Prosecutor’s Office to examine whether any laws were broken or if the rights of people with disabilities were violated.
ADEE issued a public statement criticizing the practice: “Hiring people with dwarfism for entertainment purposes perpetuates harmful stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the rights and dignity of people with disabilities.”
The organization further cited existing Spanish law, which prohibits performances that mock or demean individuals based on their physical condition.
However, Spanish radio station RAC1 aired an interview with someone who claimed to be one of the entertainers at the event. The individual, who remained anonymous, defended Yamal and rejected claims of mistreatment.
“No one disrespected us. We worked peacefully,” the performer said. “We’re normal people who do what we love. We entertain — we dance, serve drinks, do magic. Everyone had fun, and it was all legal.”
The entertainer stressed that they were aware of their boundaries and objected to being seen as “fairground monkeys,” insisting their participation was consensual and professional.
When contacted for comment, FC Barcelona stated that the club could not offer a position on a matter “strictly within the private sphere,” but said it may review its stance once more detailed information becomes available.
