Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal Under Investigation Following 18th Birthday Party

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is currently under investigation due to the presence of entertainers with dwarfism at his recent 18th birthday celebration. This inquiry was prompted by a formal complaint from the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE), as confirmed by Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights.

The private event took place in Olivella, approximately 50 kilometers west of Barcelona, on July 8, 2023, just a day before Yamal’s official birthday on July 13. The Ministry has requested the prosecutor’s office to examine whether any laws were broken that could infringe on the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Concerns Raised by Advocacy Group

ADEE has expressed serious concerns regarding the hiring of entertainers with dwarfism for the party, stating that such practices perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discrimination. The organization has vowed to pursue legal action, highlighting that the use of individuals with dwarfism as entertainment undermines their dignity and rights.

“The ADEE publicly denounces the hiring of people with dwarfism as part of the entertainment,” a spokesperson stated.

While guests were reportedly not allowed to film during the event, footage surfaced showing a group of performers with dwarfism arriving at the venue. An anonymous performer spoke to Catalan radio station RAC1, indicating that there were four entertainers present and emphasizing that they were there to work peacefully.

“We’re normal people who dedicate ourselves to what we love doing in an absolutely legal way,” the performer remarked. They criticized ADEE for allegedly trying to hinder their opportunities without providing alternatives for those affected.

Star-Studded Celebration

The birthday party attracted a number of prominent guests, including Yamal’s Barcelona teammates and popular musicians like Bizarrap and Bad Gyal. Dominican rapper Chimbala, who is also of short stature, shared a video on Instagram of himself performing at the event, alongside Yamal, while teammates Gavi and Alejandro Balde danced in the background.

Chimbala expressed his gratitude to Yamal, writing, “Lamine Yamal at 18, the best player in the world, signing my song ‘Abusadora’, thank you for inviting me to your birthday.” Yamal’s rising fame has been bolstered by his impressive performance on the field, contributing to Barcelona’s domestic treble last season, which included victories in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.

Having made his debut at just 15 years old, Yamal has scored 25 goals in 106 appearances for Barcelona and is considered a strong contender for the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

As of this report, Yamal’s representatives have not provided any comment regarding the ongoing investigation.