Lamine Yamal has been threatened with legal action following his 18th birthday party.
Barcelona and Spain winger Yamal celebrated turning 18 over the weekend and enjoyed the occasion with friends and family on the Mediterranean coast.
The teenager was spotted partying alongside Barca teammates Gavi and Alejandro Balde as well as Spanish influencers and musicians Bizarrap, Duki, Ozuna, and Bad Gyal.
And initially, the party appeared to be a pleasant gathering with little trouble, as Yamal even reportedly received a chain worth £300,000 from Dominican rapper El Alfa, according to the Mail.
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However, on Sunday, the Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE) released a statement accusing Yamal of “hiring people with dwarfism as part of entertainment”.
A statement (translated from Spanish to English) posted on the association's website read: “The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE), a member organization of the Spanish Confederation of People with Physical and Organic Disabilities (COCEMFE), condemns and publicly denounces the hiring of people with dwarfism as part of the entertainment at the recent 18th birthday party of soccer player Lamine Yamal.
“The Association announces that it will take legal and social action to safeguard the dignity of people with disabilities, considering that these actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful.
“During the birthday of the young footballer, a prominent figure in Spanish sport, people with dwarfism were hired solely for entertainment and promotional activities. ADEE considers this type of practice intolerable because it perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights of those with achondroplasia or other skeletal dysplasias, as well as all people with disabilities.”
ADEE President Carolina Puente added: “It's unacceptable that in the 21st century, people with dwarfism continue to be used as entertainment at private parties, and even more serious when these incidents involve public figures like Lamine Yamal. The dignity and rights of our community are not entertainment for anyone, under any circumstances.”
According to Evengo, in several countries - including Canada - the use of people with dwarfism for entertainment is illegal, but if consent is given by the person involved, the act is not seen as breaking the law.
In the UK, safety regulations are in place, and the act, while not illegal, is widely considered unethical.
As reported by The Guardian in 2023, the Spanish parliament banned bullfighting involving people with dwarfism in a decision applauded by disability rights groups.
SPORTbible has contacted Lamine Yamal’s representatives and Barcelona Football Club for comment.
Topics: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona, Football, Spain
Luke Davies