Spanish Authorities Call for Investigation Into Lamine Yamal’s Birthday Entertainment

Posted : 15 July 2025

Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has asked the national prosecutor’s office to investigate FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal over allegations surrounding his recent birthday celebration. Reports claim that the winger, who turned 18 on Sunday, hired performers with dwarfism to entertain guests at a private party in Olivella, a town near Barcelona. The event was reportedly attended by influencers, YouTubers, and some of his Barcelona teammates.

The controversy erupted after the Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE) publicly condemned the choice of entertainment. The group criticized the act as “unacceptable in the 21st century” and accused it of reinforcing outdated stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes toward people with disabilities.

In response, the Directorate General for People with Disabilities—under the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda—confirmed that ADEE had submitted a formal legal complaint. As a result, the ministry has formally requested that the prosecutor’s office determine whether Yamal’s actions breached existing disability rights legislation.

In its official statement, ADEE expressed strong disapproval, claiming the use of entertainers with dwarfism in such contexts "violates not only current laws but also the ethical principles of an inclusive and respectful society." They cited Spain’s general law on disability rights, which prohibits performances designed to mock or degrade individuals based on physical conditions or disabilities.

However, not everyone involved in the event agrees with the criticism. Spanish radio station RAC1 aired an interview with one of the entertainers from the party, who chose to remain anonymous but defended the nature of their work. The performer stated that the environment was respectful and that they participated voluntarily.

“No one disrespected us. We worked peacefully and professionally,” the entertainer said. “We are ordinary people doing a legal job. Why should our physical condition prevent us from entertaining at events?”

They emphasized that their work involves various types of performances—including dancing, serving drinks, and magic acts—and that the show lasted only an hour, after which they stayed to enjoy the party. “We’re not fairground attractions,” the performer added, pushing back against what they felt was an overreaction from the public and media.

When contacted by BBC Sport, FC Barcelona declined to comment on the incident, describing it as a private matter. However, the club added that it would reconsider its stance if more concrete details emerged.

As the situation unfolds, the case has sparked debate in Spain around representation, personal freedom, and the ethics of entertainment involving people with disabilities.

Spanish Authorities Call for Investigation Into Lamine Yamal’s Birthday Entertainment

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics