Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has been criticised and could face an investigation for reportedly hiring people with dwarfism as entertainers during his lavish 18th birthday party last weekend.
Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has asked prosecutors to open a probe into the hiring and exposition of the entertainers.
Ministry director Jesús Martín Blanco told Europa Press that such hirings “take us back to the Middle Ages.”
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A local association for people with disabilities had already condemned the alleged hirings, saying it would take action “legally and socially” against those responsible for promoting such actions.
In a statement it said: “These actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful.
Yamal lifts the La Liga title trophy. Getty
“The general law on the rights of persons with disabilities expressly prohibits the following practices: ‘Shows or recreational activities in which people with disabilities or other circumstances are used to provoke mockery, ridicule, or derision from the public in a manner contrary to the respect due to human dignity are prohibited’.”
The association has filed a complaint and “has asked the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate to determine whether the law and, therefore, the rights of people with disabilities have been violated.”
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Spanish radio station RAC1 published an interview with one of the entertainers who said he was in the party. The man said they were all treated with respect. He complained about the reaction against Yamal for hiring them.
“No-one disrespected us, we worked in peace,” said the artist, who asked to remain anonymous.
“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?
“We know what our limit is and we will never exceed it: we are not fairground monkeys.”
Yamal is under investigation. Getty
The performer said it lasted one hour, and afterwards the entertainers joined in with the party.
“We dance, we distribute drinks, we do magic… there are many types of shows. Everyone had a great time.”
Yamal celebrated his birthday with a party filled with celebrities. It also included some of his Barcelona teammates.
In May, Yamal signed a contract extension to stay at Barcelona until 2031.
Spanish media reported the deal makes him one of Barcelona’s highest paid players with a base salary $26.3m per season, with the potential to reach $35.1m with performance-related bonuses, including one for winning the Ballon d’Or.
Barcelona included a $1.76 billion release clause, the highest in club history.
Yamal helped the Catalan club clinch a domestic treble — La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. His big season came after he helped Spain win the European Championship in 2024.
