Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has asked the country’s prosecutor’s office to investigate FC Barcelona and Spain international winger Lamine Yamal, following allegations that people with dwarfism were hired as entertainment at his 18th birthday party.
The official inquiry was launched after a legal complaint was filed by the Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE), which described the alleged practice as “unacceptable in the 21st century.”
The party was hosted by Yamal on Sunday at a rented property in Olivella, near Barcelona, with guests including YouTubers, influencers, and several of his Barcelona teammates.
“The Directorate General for People with Disabilities… has asked the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate to determine whether the law and, therefore, the rights of people with disabilities have been violated,” the Ministry confirmed to BBC Sport.
In its statement, the ADEE cited Spanish law which prohibits “shows or recreational activities in which people with disabilities… are used to provoke mockery, ridicule, or derision from the public in a manner contrary to the respect due to human dignity.”
However, a conflicting account has emerged from an individual claiming to be one of the entertainers at the party. Speaking anonymously to Spanish radio station RAC1, the performer defended Yamal and the event.
“No-one disrespected us, we worked in peace,” the artist said. “I don’t understand why there’s so much hype. We’re normal people, who do what we want, in an absolutely legal way. We work as entertainers. Why can’t we do it? Because of our physical condition?” The performer added that “everyone had a great time.
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