Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has asked the country’s prosecutor’s office to investigate Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal after he reportedly hired people with dwarfism to perform at his 18th birthday party. Softfootball had reported that the Barcelona star planned a bash for his 18th year birthday.
Lamine Yamal hosted a party on Sunday at a rented property in Olivella, a small town 50 kilometres north west of Barcelona, with guests including YouTubers, influencers, and several Barcelona team-mates.
The BBC reports that there are allegations that Lamine Yamal hired a group of entertainers with dwarfism, something the Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE) described as unacceptable in the 21st century.
The Directorate General for People with Disabilities – part of the Ministry of Social Rights, ConsumerAffairs, and 2030 Agenda in an interview confirmed the allegation. He said:
“ADEE has filed a legal complaint.
“Therefore, this Directorate General 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 ADEE has issued a statement on the allegations as well. The statement read that:
“ADEE publicly denounces the hiring of people with dwarfism as part of the entertainment.
“ADEE would take legal action as it perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights of people with disabilities.
“These actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful.
“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’.”
Barcelona has refused to comment on the issue. An official of the club’s media said:
“We are not in a position to comment on an act that falls strictly within the private sphere, our position would be reassessed once concrete information has been ascertained.”
Softfootball had earlier brought it to your notice that Barcelona’s teenage superstar Lamine Yamal is reportedly planning an extravagant and highly exclusive birthday party to celebrate his 18th birthday, and all signs point to Ibiza as the destination of choice.
The Spanish sensation is said to be very keen on avoiding the ever-prying eyes of the media, which has made secrecy a top priority. Despite efforts to keep the celebration under wraps, whispers from within Yamal’s camp confirm that Ibiza will play host to this exclusive party.
