18th birthday celebration of Lamine Yamal sparks controversy, with authorities in Spain calling for an investigation
In a controversial turn of events, Spanish authorities are currently investigating allegations that football star Lamine Yamal, who turned 18 on July 13, 2020, hired people with dwarfism "solely for entertainment" at his birthday party. The event, held at a rented property in Olivella, northwest of Barcelona, drew widespread criticism and potential legal consequences.
The controversy has sparked a public outcry, with the Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE), the key advocacy group for people with dwarfism in Spain, strongly condemning Yamal’s actions. ADEE’s president, Carolina Puente, declared the exploitation of people with dwarfism as entertainment unacceptable, especially involving public figures.
The Spanish government is taking the matter seriously. Jesús Martín, the General Director of Disability in the Spanish government, has called for ministers to approve an investigation into Yamal's actions. He expressed concern that people with money and power believe themselves to be above the law, emphasising that the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities prohibits shows or recreational activities that use people with disabilities to provoke mockery, ridicule, or derision from the public.
The ADEE believes that the actions at the party violate this legislation and ethical values. They have publicly denounced the event and announced plans to launch legal action against Yamal, emphasising that people with dwarfism should not be used as entertainment and that their dignity and rights must be safeguarded.
While Yamal's family and close associates claim the party was planned respectfully, and that those hired were paid and treated with dignity, the public and institutional backlash remains significant. Spanish sports publication Marca reports that Yamal could face a fine of up to £867,000.
The investigation into Yamal's actions is yet to be approved by ministers. However, the potential for heavy fines and a thorough probe by the Spanish government highlights the severity with which authorities view the alleged violations. This case illustrates the intersection of celebrity conduct, disability rights, and social ethics in contemporary Spain.
As of now, no comment has been received from Lamine Yamal's representatives. The story is still developing, and further updates are expected.
The Spanish sports publication Marca reports that the controversy surrounding Lamine Yamal's birthday party, where he allegedly hired people with dwarfism solely for entertainment, may lead to a fine of up to £867,000. Following the public outcry, the Spanish government is taking the matter seriously, with Jesús Martín, the General Director of Disability, urging ministers to approve an investigation into Yamal's actions, citing the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE) has publicly denounced the event and announced plans to launch legal action against Yamal, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the dignity and rights of individuals with dwarfism.
