Lamine Yamal, Barcelona star, faces probe into dwarf entertainers at 18th birthday

Star Barcelona player Lamine Yamal is under investigation after hiring entertainers with dwarfism for his 18th birthday party last weekend - prompting allegations of exploitation and stereotyping, according to Spain's Ministry of Social Rights.

Yamal marked his 18th birthday with a private celebration in Olivella, a town located about 50 kilometers west of Barcelona. The event, held on the evening of July 12 - the day before his actual birthday - was attended by several of his Barcelona teammates and well-known music stars such as Bizarrap and Bad Gyal.

Following a complaint from the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE), Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has referred the matter to the prosecutor’s office for investigation.



"The ADEE has filed a complaint, so this ministry has asked the prosecutor's office to investigate to see if the law has been violated and, therefore, the rights of people with disabilities (have been)," AFP quoted Spain's Ministry of Social Rights as saying.

The ADEE has strongly condemned the use of performers with dwarfism at Yamal’s 18th birthday party, stating it "perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights" of people with disabilities.

One of the performers spoke anonymously on Catalan radio station RAC1, defending their participation.

"No one disrespected us. We were allowed to work in peace," he said, noting that four performers were present. "We’re normal people doing what we love in a completely legal manner."

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Dominican rapper Chimbala, who is of short stature, shared a video on Instagram featuring himself performing on stage alongside Yamal.

"Lamine Yamal at 18, the best player in the world, signing my song 'Abusadora', thank you for inviting me to your (birthday)," wrote Chimbala.