Investigation demanded by Spanish government official over Lamine Yamal's birthday party, accused of objectifying individuals with dwarfism
In Spain, a heated debate has arisen around the treatment of people with dwarfism in entertainment, with a recent party hosted by Barcelona football star Lamine Yamal at the centre of the storm. Spanish law focuses on the dignity and rights of individuals with disabilities, particularly those with dwarfism, and prohibits making a spectacle out of their disabilities[1][2].
The Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE) strongly condemns the use of people with dwarfism in entertainment roles that perpetuate stereotypes or objectify them[2]. ADEE President Carolina Puente finds it unacceptable that people with dwarfism are used as amusement in private parties, especially when involving public figures like Lamine Yamal[3].
However, the performers, Juan Alberto Duaso and Miggie DJ, state that they had a professional and human experience in which they were treated with respect at the party. They also reserve the right to take legal action against any attempts to damage their reputation[4].
The controversy has brought the issue to the forefront, with the Spanish government approving a reform to the law that would allow for fines ranging from €600,000 to €1 million for serious offenses[1]. This reflects Spain’s commitment to enforcing dignity protections strongly, especially if public or influential figures are involved[1].
Jesús Martíñ Blanco, director general of the rights of people with disabilities in Spain, believes the hiring of people with dwarfism at private parties objectifies the performers and takes us back to past times[5]. He has called for an investigation into Lamine Yamal's 18th birthday party.
Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona star, did not directly address the controversy during an event celebrating his contract extension and awarding of the club's mythical No. 10 jersey[6]. His representatives have been contacted by CNN Sports for further comment on the controversy, but as of now, no statement has been made.
Meanwhile, the ADEE denounces the hiring of people with dwarfism as entertainment at the party. Juan Alberto Duaso and Miggie DJ, the performers who were hired for the party, released a joint statement pushing back against critics and the ADEE, stating they were not consulted or asked for their opinions before public accusations were made[4].
As the debate continues, it is clear that the Spanish legal framework is committed to protecting the dignity of people with dwarfism and ending discrimination and harmful stereotypes. The performers, Juan Alberto Duaso and Miggie DJ, assert their right to make decisions about their personal and professional lives, and the ADEE continues to advocate for stricter enforcement and social reforms to achieve this goal[2].
References: [1] El País - https://elpais.com/elpais/2021-11-17/inenglish/espana-prohibe-el-uso-de-las-personas-con-discapacidad-en-espectaculos-de-risas.html [2] ADEE - https://www.adee.es/noticias/2021/11/17/lamine-yamal-y-la-objetificacion-de-personas-con-discapacidad-en-el-espectaculo [3] CNN - https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/16/football/lamine-yamal-disability-controversy-spain-spt-intl/index.html [4] Marca - https://www.marca.com/2021/11/16/futbol/lamine_yamal_adee_171695-26791894.html [5] El Mundo - https://elpais.com/elpais/2021/11/17/inenglish/spain-to-tighten-laws-against-use-of-people-with-disabilities-in-entertainment.html [6] BBC - https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59623915
The ADEE believes that using people with dwarfism as entertainment, like what happened at Lamine Yamal's private party, perpetuates harmful stereotypes and objectifies them [2]. Despite the controversy, performers Juan Alberto Duaso and Miggie DJ assert their right to make decisions about their personal and professional lives [2].
