Disability rights organisation claims individuals with dwarfism were hired solely for entertainment and promotional purposes during the event
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal is facing legal action from a Spanish disability rights organisation over the alleged use of people with dwarfism as entertainment at his recent 18th birthday celebration.
On Sunday, Yamal held a private party at the Alcazar del Garraf, a villa in Barcelona, to celebrate his birthday. This was after holding a smaller gathering with his family at La Cupula the day before.
On Monday, the Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE) issued a statement saying they would take legal measures in response to what they described as a degrading incident at Sunday’s party.
According to the organisation, individuals with dwarfism were hired solely for entertainment and promotional purposes during the event. ADEE criticised the decision, saying it reinforced harmful stereotypes and undermined the dignity and rights of people with disabilities.
The group’s statement read: “The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE), a member organization of the Spanish Confederation of People with Physical and Organic Disabilities (COCEMFE), condemns and publicly denounces the hiring of people with dwarfism as part of the entertainment at the recent 18th birthday party of soccer player Lamine Yamal.
“The Association announces that it will take legal and social action to safeguard the dignity of people with disabilities, considering that these actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful.
“During the birthday of the young footballer, a prominent figure in Spanish sport, people with dwarfism were hired solely for entertainment and promotional activities.
“ADEE considers this type of practice intolerable because it perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights of those with achondroplasia or other skeletal dysplasias, as well as all people with disabilities.”
The controversy has quickly escalated, with calls on social media for both Yamal and Barcelona to issue a public explanation. Neither the player nor his representatives have responded to the allegations.
