Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Barcelona winger, is under investigation by Spanish authorities following allegations that his recent birthday party involved the hiring of individuals with dwarfism as entertainers.
The event, held in Olivella, Spain, reportedly featured a mafia-themed atmosphere with over 200 guests, including celebrities and footballers.
Despite a strict no-phone policy, videos surfaced showing people with dwarfism arriving at the venue, leading to public outcry.(ESPN.com, Al Jazeera, ESPN.com)
The Spanish Ministry for Social Rights has requested a formal investigation into potential violations of disability laws, specifically those prohibiting the public exploitation of individuals with disabilities.
The Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) condemned the act as dehumanizing and vowed to pursue legal action.
They argue that such practices perpetuate harmful stereotypes and undermine the dignity of people with disabilities. (ESPN.com, euronews)
In response to the backlash, Yamal posted a brief video from the party on social media, showing glimpses of the event.
However, he has not publicly addressed the controversy or the allegations. Barcelona FC has also remained silent on the matter.(Cadena SER)
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of individuals with disabilities in entertainment and the responsibilities of public figures in promoting inclusivity and respect.(AS USA)