Did football sensation Lamine Yamal ask Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage's to 'Check DMs' amid dwarfism row? Here's what we know

Time of India

15-07-2025

Barcelona football sensation Lamine Yamal turned 18 on Sunday (July 13) and marked the milestone with a lavish birthday bash that's now become the talk of the town, but not for the reasons he might've hoped. According to reports, the rising star hired professional dwarves as part of the entertainment, sparking backlash from disability rights groups. To make matters more chaotic, a viral screenshot began circulating on social media, allegedly showing Yamal commenting 'check DMs' under a 2023 Instagram post by Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage.
Lamine Yamal faces backlash over hiring dwarf entertainers
On Monday, reports surfaced that Yamal had hired professional dwarves as part of the entertainment lineup for his birthday event. That decision has drawn intense criticism from disability rights groups in Spain. In particular, ADEE (The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism), part of COCEMFE, issued a stern statement condemning the act.
In their words, "ADEE considers this type of practice intolerable because it perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights of those with achondroplasia or other skeletal dysplasias, as well as all people with disabilities."
The group also announced they plan to pursue both legal and social action, calling the move a violation of ethical values and legislation.
The Peter Dinklage 'check DMs' meme that's stirring things further
While the backlash was already gaining traction, a supposed screenshot began circulating online and allegedly shows Yamal dropping a "check DMs" comment under a 2023 Instagram post by Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage.
Though the authenticity of the comment remains unverified, social media users were quick to latch on, and many have since flooded Dinklage's posts with the same 'check DMs' line in a sarcastic nod to the controversy. The screenshot may be a meme, but it's only adding fuel to the already heated online conversation.
It's pretty awesome how dancing makes robots less intimidating. Looking forward to seeing more nontrivial Machine Learning on these robots. Credit: Boston Dynamics. pic.twitter.com/wnB2i9qhdQ
One dwarf entertainer speaks up: 'Why can't I be an entertainer?'
Amid all the finger-pointing and public statements, one of the dwarf entertainers who performed at Yamal's party has spoken out. Speaking to RAC1, the individual defended the event and his role in it, saying, 'Lamine treated me very well. There were no incidents… quite the opposite. We danced, handed out shots, had fun, performed magic… there was a wide variety of entertainment.'
He went on to add, 'We're not circus animals; we have clear boundaries. Why can't I be an entertainer just because of my physical condition?'
Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal has yet to respond to the controversy publicly. In fact, he has been posting pictures from his birthday party on his Instagram account, proving he remains unfazed by the criticism.
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