Lamine Yamal Under Investigation Over Alleged Hiring of Dwarf Entertainers at Birthday Party

Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has called on the country’s Prosecutor’s Office to investigate Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal, following allegations that he hired individuals with dwarfism to perform as entertainers at his 18th birthday party.

The birthday celebration, reportedly held on Sunday at a rented villa in Olivella, near Barcelona, drew a number of influencers, YouTubers, and Barcelona teammates. However, controversy erupted after reports surfaced suggesting the young footballer hired people with dwarfism for entertainment an act that disability rights groups have condemned as discriminatory and dehumanizing.

The Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE) filed a formal legal complaint, arguing that such practices “perpetuate harmful stereotypes and violate the dignity of people with disabilities.” In response, the Directorate General for People with Disabilities, under the Ministry of Social Rights, confirmed it had forwarded the case to prosecutors to determine whether Yamal’s actions breached Spanish disability laws.

“These actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful,” ADEE said in a statement.

Spain’s General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities prohibits any recreational activity or performance that provokes “mockery, ridicule, or derision” toward people with disabilities, explicitly referencing practices that undermine human dignity.

Amid growing public backlash, Spanish radio station RAC1 aired an interview with an individual who claimed to be one of the entertainers present at the party. The performer, who remained anonymous, defended Yamal, stating that they were treated with respect and voluntarily participated in the event.“No one disrespected us. We worked in peace. I don’t understand why there’s so much hype. We’re normal people who do what we want, in an absolutely legal way,” said the entertainer.

“We dance, we distribute drinks, we do magic. Everyone had a great time.”

The entertainer emphasized that the performance lasted about an hour and that they later joined in the celebrations.

When contacted by BBC Sport, a Barcelona club spokesperson said the club was “not in a position to comment on an act that falls strictly within the private sphere,” but added that their stance might change once concrete information emerges.

At the time of writing, Lamine Yamal has not publicly responded to the allegations.

The investigation remains ongoing, as the legal and ethical debate over entertainment and disability rights continues to spark national discussion.

BBC