Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is under investigation by Spanish authorities following reports that individuals with dwarfism were hired as entertainers for his recent birthday celebration.
Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has confirmed it has referred the matter to the prosecutor’s office after a formal complaint was lodged by a national advocacy group.
The Spanish-born footballer of Moroccan and Equatorial Guinean descent marked his 18th birthday with a lavish party in Olivella, near Barcelona, on Saturday, July 13, a day before his official birthday.
The event drew several high-profile guests, including teammates and music stars like Bizarrap and Bad Gyal. However, controversy erupted after a video surfaced showing a group of people with dwarfism arriving at the venue.
The complaint, filed by the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE), criticised the use of dwarf entertainers, stating it “perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights” of people with disabilities.
The ministry noted it is looking into whether the incident violated any disability rights laws.
Speaking anonymously to Catalan radio station RAC1, one of the performers denied any wrongdoing: “No one disrespected us… We’re normal people who dedicate ourselves to what we love doing… All this fuss has come about purely because it was Lamine Yamal’s party.”
The entertainer also accused ADEE of attempting to block their professional activities without providing alternative support or opportunities for individuals with dwarfism.
Meanwhile, Dominican rapper Chimbala, also of short stature, shared a clip on Instagram of himself performing at the party alongside Yamal and other Barcelona players, praising the young star’s support.
Yamal, widely tipped as a future Ballon d’Or winner, has already made over 100 appearances for Barcelona since his debut at age 15 and was instrumental in their La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Super Cup triumphs last season.
His representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment.
