Probe into the entertainment provided by little people performers during footballer Yamal's celebration event - Probe into Entertainers Attending Yamal's Soiree
An investigation is underway regarding Barcelona player Lamine Yamal's 18th birthday party, which took place in Olivella west of Barcelona on a Saturday night. The controversy erupted after pictures surfaced showing people with dwarfism at the party, attended by around 200 guests.
The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) has accused Yamal of illegally hiring dwarves for entertainment, potentially violating Spanish laws protecting the dignity of disabled people. The ADEE has expressed its intention to take legal action against the player, accusing him of breaching fundamental ethical values related to respect and equality for disabled individuals. This could result in a significant fine of around £867,000 against Yamal for alleged exploitation.
However, some of the dwarf performers at the party have publicly defended their participation, insisting the show was professional and respectful, and describing the backlash as unfair. They specialise in dancing, magic tricks, and serving drinks at events.
The FC Barcelona football club has not released a statement regarding the incident or the allegations made by the ADEE. The ADEE association believes that the use of little people for entertainment purposes fuels prejudices and discrimination.
The entertainers, including the affected individual, have accused the ADEE of meddling in matters that did not concern them. The affected little person stated that no disrespect was shown during the event and they were able to work in peace.
Yamal, the individual celebrating his birthday, has not publicly commented on the matter. A video that surfaced online shows a group of little people arriving at the party. The party in question had a film and photography ban in place.
The incident at FC Barcelona's birthday party involved the appearance of dwarf artists, which the ADEE argues is a violation of a law protecting the dignity of disabled people. The specific details about the investigating body were not provided, and the Prosecutor's Office has not issued any statements regarding the incident as of the time of this article.
This situation remains under active investigation as of July 2025. The ADEE opposes the hiring of little people for entertainment purposes, citing the perpetuation of prejudices and discrimination. The outcome of the investigation will likely shed light on the ethical implications of such practices in the entertainment industry.
- The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) has raised concerns about Barcelona player Lamine Yamal's employment policy, arguing that the hiring of dwarves for entertainment at his birthday party could be a violation of Spanish laws protecting the dignity of disabled people.
- FC Barcelona football club's silence on the issue of Lamine Yamal's birthday party, which featured dwarf artists, has led to questions about their community policy regarding the entertainment industry and the treatment of disabled individuals.
- The European leagues could face scrutiny over employment policies and practices related to the hiring of people with dwarfism for entertainment purposes, as the investigation into Lamine Yamal's birthday party unfolds, highlighting the broader implications for the sports and entertainment industries.
