Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal may face legal repercussions after allegedly hiring professional dwarves for entertainment at his 18th birthday party on Sunday night. Yamal officially turned 18 on July 13, coinciding with the first team’s return to preseason training. Before joining his teammates, he was seen celebrating his birthday with various events over the weekend. However, the Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE) has raised concerns, stating that one of the events involved individuals with dwarfism being hired purely for entertainment purposes. ADEE highlighted that Spain’s General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities strictly forbids any shows or recreational activities that exploit people with disabilities for public mockery or humiliation, which contradicts respect for human dignity. The Ministry of Social Rights has asked the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate potential violations of the law. ADEE issued a firm statement indicating their intention to pursue legal and social actions to protect the dignity of individuals with disabilities. The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE), part of the Spanish Confederation of People with Physical and Organic Disabilities (COCEMFE), has condemned the hiring of individuals with dwarfism for entertainment at the 18th birthday party of soccer player Lamine Yamal. They expressed that such actions not only breach existing laws but also go against the fundamental ethical standards of a society striving for equality and respect. At the birthday celebration of the young athlete, who is a notable figure in Spanish sports, individuals with dwarfism were employed exclusively for entertainment and promotional roles. ADEE views this kind of practice as unacceptable since it continues to reinforce stereotypes, promotes discrimination, and damages the reputation and rights of individuals with achondroplasia or other skeletal dysplasias, along with all individuals with disabilities. As per SI. ADEE President Carolina Puente expressed, “In the 21st century, it is intolerable that individuals with dwarfism are still exploited for entertainment purposes at private events, especially when these situations involve public figures such as Lamine Yamal.” Puente stated, “The impact is even more severe when someone with social clout is involved in these situations, as it sends a message to society—particularly to the youth—that discrimination is permissible.” However, one person believed to be the target of the alleged discrimination firmly denied these accusations. “Nobody treated us disrespectfully; [they] allowed us to work peacefully,” said an anonymous artist who participated in the event, according to RAC1. I’m puzzled by all the excitement surrounding it.
