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Time of India
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Explained: The dwarfism controversy at Lamine Yamal's 18th birthday party
TL;DR Lamine Yamal threw a flashy, mafia-themed 18th birthday party, and things got messy when it came out that he had hired people with dwarfism as part of the entertainment. Disability rights groups weren't having it and called it out as degrading. Now there's a government investigation, legal threats, and a whole lot of media heat. Meanwhile, the performers say they were treated fine. As Yamal heads into Barça's pre-season, he's got more than just football to focus on. What happened? Barcelona's rising star Lamine Yamal is in hot water after footage leaked from his big 18th birthday bash. The party, held at a luxe mansion near Barcelona, had everything: A-listers, top DJs, and apparently, dwarf entertainers. Phones were supposed to be banned inside, but once the performers were spotted outside, it all went public. That's when things escalated. Disability advocacy groups quickly voiced outrage, saying the whole thing was offensive and demeaning. What is the public reaction? One of Spain's main disability rights groups, ADEE (Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias), slammed the whole setup and filed a formal complaint. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Blind husband regains his sight, but doesn't tell his wife and he realizes he's been lied to for years. Novelodge Undo They say hiring people with dwarfism for entertainment like this breaks Spanish law, which is about dignity and not making a spectacle out of people's disabilities. Spain's Ministry of Social Rights backed that up and asked prosecutors to look into whether Yamal's party broke the rules. The message was clear: fame doesn't give you a free pass. Carolina Puente, who heads ADEE, was especially vocal. She's worried that this kind of thing sends the wrong message, especially coming from someone so young and influential. According to her, it's not just a bad look, it could be illegal. If the law was broken, fines could go up to €1 million. That's a hefty price tag for a birthday party. And then there's another twist. Claudia Calvo, a former Miss Teenager Spain, said she was approached about attending the party, but only if she met certain 'physical standards.' She turned it down and later posted about it, adding more fuel to the fire. Why this matters? Lamine Yamal isn't just some kid throwing a party. He's a breakout star and role model for a whole generation. When someone with that kind of influence does something that might reinforce old, harmful stereotypes, it doesn't go unnoticed. People look up to him, which means everything he does carries more weight, especially something like this. From a legal standpoint, this could actually be a big deal. It might become a major test case for how Spain enforces its disability rights laws when it comes to private events. It's not just about what's technically legal, it's about what society is willing to accept in 2025. Then there's the tricky part, navigating between respect and exploitation. Supporters of Yamal argue the performers were there by choice, they were paid, and they were treated respectfully. But critics say it doesn't matter if there was no bad intent. Hiring people just for how they look, especially when it's tied to their disability, can still be humiliating, even if everyone's smiling. What happens next? Right now, things are in the hands of Spain's legal system. The Ministry of Social Rights has officially asked prosecutors to dig deeper and decide if this broke the anti-discrimination law. Meanwhile, ADEE is pushing ahead with plans to sue. If things don't go Yamal's way, he could be facing up to a million euros in fines. So far, though, it's radio silence from Yamal. No public statement, no apology, nothing from his camp or FC Barcelona either. And the longer that silence lasts, the more people are starting to wonder what it says. There's growing concern that this whole situation reflects a bigger issue, a disconnect between celebrity lifestyles and the social standards that are rapidly evolving, especially around how entertainers with disabilities are treated. Bottom line What started as a private celebration quickly turned into a public controversy. Lamine Yamal's birthday party is now under serious legal and social scrutiny, and the stakes are bigger than just bad PR. This isn't just about one night, it's about what kind of culture we're building around fame, identity, and respect. Whether Yamal responds or not, this conversation is far from over.
The National
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal to be investigated over dwarfism row
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is facing an investigation regarding the presence of a group of people with dwarfism hired as entertainers at his 18th birthday party last weekend, Spain's Ministry of Social Rights said. The winger celebrated with a private event in Olivella, around 50 kilometres west of Barcelona, with guests including YouTubers, influencers, celebrities and several Barcelona teammates The ministry asked the prosecutor's office to probe, following a complaint from the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE) which described it as "unacceptable in the 21st century". "The ADEE has filed a complaint, so this ministry has asked the prosecutor's office to investigate to see if the law has been violated and, therefore, the rights of people with disabilities [have been]," Spain's Ministry of Social Rights told AFP. ADEE "publicly denounces the hiring of people with dwarfism as part of the entertainment" and said they would take legal action as it "perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights" of people with disabilities. "These actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful. "The general law on the rights of persons with disabilities expressly prohibits the following practices: 'Shows or recreational activities in which people with disabilities or other circumstances are used to provoke mockery, ridicule, or derision from the public in a manner contrary to the respect due to human dignity are prohibited'." Yamal turned 18 on July 13, the day after his party on Saturday night. Guests were not permitted to film at the event but a video emerged of a group of people with dwarfism heading into the party. "No one disrespected us, we were allowed to work in peace," said one of the performers anonymously on Catalan radio station RAC1, saying there were four of them present. "I don't understand why there's so much hype. We're normal people, who do what we want, in an absolutely legal way. "We work as entertainers. Why can't we do it? Because of our physical condition? "We know what our limit is and we will never exceed it: we are not fairground monkeys ... "For a couple of years these people [the ADEE] have wanted to harm us, they want to prevent us from doing what we like, but they have not offered any work or training to those who are affected ... "All this fuss has come about purely because it was Lamine Yamal's party." The performer said they dance, deliver drinks and do magic tricks to entertain guests at the events they work at. Dominican rapper Chimbala, of short stature, published a video on Instagram of himself singing on stage with Yamal, with Barca teammates Gavi and Alejandro Balde dancing in the background. "Lamine Yamal at 18, the best player in the world, signing my song 'Abusadora', thank you for inviting me to your [birthday]," wrote Chimbala. Yamal is a candidate to win the Ballon d'Or after a helping Barcelona to a domestic treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup last season. The Spain international has scored 25 goals for the club in 106 appearances, having made his debut at just 15 years old in 2023. Yamal's representatives did not respond to a request for comment. A Barcelona spokemsan told the BBC the club was "not in a position to comment on an act that falls strictly within the private sphere", but added their position would be reassessed once "concrete information" has been ascertained.
Japan Times
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
Barcelona star Yamal faces probe into dwarf entertainers at 18th birthday
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is facing an investigation regarding the presence of a group of people with dwarfism as entertainers at his 18th birthday party last weekend, Spain's Ministry of Social Rights said Tuesday. The winger celebrated with a private event in Olivella, around 50 kilometers west of Barcelona, which the ministry asked the prosecutor's office to probe, following a complaint from the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE). Yamal turned 18 on Sunday, the day after his party on Saturday night, which many of his teammates attended, along with celebrities from the music world including Bizarrap and Bad Gyal. "The ADEE has filed a complaint, so this ministry has asked the prosecutor's office to investigate to see if the law has been violated and, therefore, the rights of people with disabilities (have been)," the ministry said. ADEE "publicly denounces the hiring of people with dwarfism as part of the entertainment" and said they would take legal action as it "perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights" of people with disabilities. Guests were not permitted to film at the event but a video emerged of a group of people with dwarfism heading into the party. "No one disrespected us, we were allowed to work in peace," said one of the performers anonymously on Catalan radio station RAC1, saying there were four of them present. "We're normal people who dedicate ourselves to what we love doing in an absolutely legal way ... "For a couple of years these people (the ADEE) have wanted to harm us, they want to prevent us from doing what we like, but they have not offered any work or training to those who are affected ... "All this fuss has come about purely because it was Lamine Yamal's party." The performer said they dance, deliver drinks and do magic tricks to entertain guests at the events they work at. Dominican rapper Chimbala, of short stature, published a video on Instagram of himself singing on stage with Yamal, with Barca teammates Gavi and Alejandro Balde dancing in the background. "Lamine Yamal at 18, the best player in the world, signing my song 'Abusadora', thank you for inviting me to your (birthday)," wrote Chimbala. Yamal is a candidate to win the Ballon d'Or after helping Barcelona to a domestic treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup last season. The Spain international has scored 25 goals for the club in 106 appearances, having made his debut at age 15 in 2023. Yamal's representatives did not respond to a request for comment.
Fox News
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal faces backlash for allegedly hiring entertainers with dwarfism for birthday party
Officials in Spain demanded an investigation into Barcelona star Lamine Yamal after it was alleged the 18-year-old soccer player hired entertainers with dwarfism for his birthday party over the weekend. Spain's Ministry for Social Rights asked officials, including the Public Prosecutor's Office, to investigate the allegations and whether disability laws were violated at Sunday's party. ESPN reported that guests were not allowed to film during the celebrations, but videos on social media appeared to show people with dwarfism arriving at the event outside of Barcelona. The photos prompted one group to issue a statement threatening legal action. The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) said in a statement it condemned Yamal. "The association announces that it will take legal and social actions to safeguard the dignity of people with disabilities, considering that these events violate not only current legislation, but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that claims to be egalitarian and respectful," ADEE said in the statement, according to a translation. "During the birthday of the young soccer player, a relevant figure in Spanish sports, people with dwarfism were hired solely for entertainment and protest activities. For ADEE, this type of practice is 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 BBC reported Tuesday that the ADEE had filed a complaint with the Ministry. Fox News Digital has reached out to the soccer club for comment. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dwarfism organisation to take legal action against Lamine Yamal for 18th birthday celebrations
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal is back in training with the rest of his teammates this week as the Catalan side begin preparations for the new season. The teenage superstar ended his summer in glamorous fashion with an exclusive 18th birthday party in Garraf, a coastal town close to the Catalan capital. While it is not unusual for the person in question to let loose on their 18th birthday party, Lamine Yamal is facing legal action for some of the 'entertainment' at the event. According to the Association of Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE), there were people with dwarfism hired to 'perform' at the party, and they have announced that they will be taking legal action against the Spain star. Image via ADEE Advertisement ADEE highlight impact of Lamine Yamal's actions The ADEE have announced that they will be taking legal action against the Barcelona forward, citing that hiring people with dwarfism is illegal in Spain. 'Shows or recreational activities in which people with disabilities or other circumstances are used to provoke mockery, ridicule, or derision from the public in a manner contrary to the respect due to human dignity are prohibited.' Image via El Correo Meanwhile President Carolina Puente went on to point out that the incident is far more serious, given the stature of Lamine Yamal. 'When a person with social influence participates in these types of situations, the damage is even greater, because it conveys to society – especially to young people – that discrimination is acceptable. We must eradicate the objectification of difference and educate people in respect and equity.' Lamine Yamal back in training after birthday party The event took place on Saturday night, with around 250 people attending, including teammates Gavi and Alejandro Balde. They were joined by influencers and celebrities in the music industry too, say Cadena SER, who also point out that while the majority of the Barcelona squad were present, they left early in order to be fresh for preseason tests the following day. Included in the list of celebrities were Bad Gyal, Lola Indigo, Duki, Quevedo, Chimbala, Morad and Red Bull F1 driver Charles Leclerc. Mobile phones were banned from the party, although images of Lamine Yamal singing with Chimbala did emerge. Barcelona are yet to comment on the incident.
