Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal is facing mounting backlash after reports surfaced that people with dwarfism were allegedly hired as entertainment for his 18th birthday party
The celebration, which took place at a private villa on Saturday with over 200 guests in attendance—including friends, family, and paid participants—has drawn legal and public outrage.
The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) has condemned the incident, accusing Yamal of degrading individuals with dwarfism by using them for entertainment and promotional spectacle. ADEE described the act as a serious violation of dignity and human rights, pledging to pursue legal action under Spanish disability protection laws.
“It is absolutely unacceptable that in 2024, people with dwarfism are still treated as entertainment props—especially by celebrities like Lamine Yamal,” said ADEE President Carolina Puente. “This undermines the fight against discrimination and reinforces demeaning stereotypes.”
Further controversy has erupted around the party’s “gangster” theme. Yamal reportedly wore a white suit embroidered with a gun design, and guests were allegedly asked to surrender their mobile phones for privacy. Additional backlash followed claims that only women matching a specific physical profile—including blonde hair and a particular bust size—were recruited to attend. Model Claudia Calvo told TeleCinco she declined an invite, calling the requirements degrading.
The Spanish General Director of Disability, Jesús Martín, has called for an official probe, warning that Yamal’s actions, as a rising public figure, send dangerous messages to young fans. “This risks normalizing the objectification and exploitation of vulnerable groups,” he said.
Tensions escalated further when a video emerged showing Yamal riding in a van without a seatbelt the morning after the party. Adding fuel to the fire, Dominican rapper El Alfa reportedly gifted Yamal a £300,000 diamond-studded chain featuring the footballer’s initials during the event.
Spain’s government has joined ADEE in denouncing the incident and is reportedly weighing a potential fine of up to £867,000. Legal action and public criticism are expected to intensify as investigations continue.
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