Barcelona’s bright young football talent, Lamine Yamal, is currently at the center of a swirling controversy. Reports suggest the rising star might be facing an official probe. The issue stems from his recent 18th birthday celebration.
The party, held just outside Barcelona on Saturday, July 12, has sparked a debate. Yamal officially turned 18 the very next day. Despite a strict no-phone policy for guests, a video surfaced online. It reportedly shows individuals with dwarfism arriving at the party venue. Many of Yamal’s Barcelona teammates and other social media personalities attended the bash.
Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has stepped in. They are calling for an investigation into whether disability laws were broken. Spanish media outlets first reported this request. The Ministry wants the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Ombudsman, and the Office Against Hate Crimes to look into the matter. They aim to see if any rules were violated during the evening’s festivities.
Spanish disability law is quite clear on certain points. It bans “shows or recreational activities that use people with disabilities in a way that causes ridicule or undermines their dignity.” This specific clause is what has put the spotlight on Yamal’s birthday event.
Reactions and Different Perspectives
The Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) quickly reacted. On Sunday, July 13, the group released a statement. They strongly condemned the alleged activities at the party.
Carolina Puente, who leads ADEE, expressed her dismay. “It’s unacceptable that in the 21st century, people with dwarfism are still used as entertainment at private parties,” she stated. “This is especially true when public figures are involved. The dignity and rights of our community should never be a source of amusement.”
However, not everyone involved shares this view. One performer who worked at Yamal’s party spoke out. This individual wished to remain anonymous. They defended their presence and said they felt respected.
“Nobody disrespected us; we were able to work in peace,” the performer told Barcelona’s RAC1. “I don’t understand why this has become such a big deal. We are normal people. We do what we love in a completely legal way.”
The performer also suggested that ADEE has been trying to harm people with dwarfism for a couple of years. “They want to stop us from doing what we enjoy,” the artist claimed. “But they haven’t offered any jobs or training to those affected. We work as entertainers. Why can’t we do what we do? We dance, we do magic, there are all sorts of shows. We were treated the same as everyone else at the party. We all had a good time.”
They concluded by saying the whole situation became a fuss “only because it was Lamine Yamal’s party.”
Despite the growing controversy, Yamal quickly returned to work. He rejoined his Barcelona team for pre-season training on Sunday. This was just hours after his birthday party wrapped up.