Latest news with #AssociationofPeoplewithAchondroplasiaandotherSkeletalDysplasiasinSpain


CNN
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
Spanish government official calls for investigation into Lamine Yamal's birthday party ‘objectifying' people with dwarfism
A Spanish government official has called for an investigation into Barcelona star Lamine Yamal's 18th birthday party after a prominent disability activist group said organizers of the event hired people with dwarfism 'solely for entertainment and attractions' in contravention of Spanish law. Yamal hosted the party on Sunday at a private property he had rented in the small town of Olivella, 50 kilometers (about 31 miles) southwest of Barcelona, with several online influencers in attendance along with Barça teammates. The Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE) said in a statement that it 'denounces the hiring of people with dwarfism as entertainment' at the party. 'We will take action through legal and social channels,' the ADEE added. ADEE President Carolina Puente added in the statement: 'It's unacceptable in the 21st century that people with dwarfism are still used as amusement in private parties and even worse when these incidents involve public figues like Lamine Yamal. The dignity and rights of our collective are not the entertainment of anyone, under any circumstance.' Jesús Martín Blanco, director general of the rights of people with disabilities in Spain's Ministry of Social Rights, told Europa Press he has 'asked the relevant authorities to open the necessary investigations to determine what happened' at the party. Martín Blanco said that the hiring of people with dwarfism at private parties is something that 'objectifies' the performers and takes '(us) back to past times, Medieval times.' 'We're worried that a well-known person who can have such an influence over young people uses these people in such a harmful way for a private party,' Martín Blanco added. Martín Blanco added that he has contacted the General Prosecutor's Office and the National Office of the Fight Against Hate Crimes to investigate the matter. CNN Sports has contacted Yamal's representatives and both offices for comment. Spanish law currently bans any event which 'uses people with disabilities … to arouse jokes, mockery or derision of (said people) contrary to the respect owed to human dignity.' While there is currently no civil or criminal punishment for any infraction, a reform to the law was recently approved by the government and sent to the Spanish parliament for final passage that would reportedly allow for fines ranging from €600,000 (about $695,200) to €1 million ($1.16 million) for serious offenses. However, two people with dwarfism who say they were hired for the party released a joint statement pushing back against critics of the events – and the ADEE specifically – for their stance. In a post on Instagram, Juan Alberto Duaso and Miggie DJ said the ADEE 'does not represent us nor does it speak on our behalf.' 'As adults with achondroplasia, commonly known as dwarfism, we have our own voice, our own judgment, and full capacity to make decisions about our personal and professional lives,' the statement said. 'We are not part of this association, nor have we been consulted or asked for our opinions before making public accusations that directly affect us.' The pair added that they feel 'deeply proud to have been invited to this event,' and, 'we strongly reject any suggestion that we have been ridiculed or used, as has been publicly claimed without evidence.' 'It was a professional and human experience in which we were treated with respect,' also saying that they reserve the right to take legal action against any attempts to damage their reputation. CNN Sports has contacted the ADEE for comment.


Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal under investigation after dwarfism act at birthday party sparks outrage
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal under investigation after dwarfism act at birthday party sparks outrage (Image Via X) A private celebration has now turned into a public controversy for Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old football star is facing a government-led investigation after reports surfaced that he hired people with dwarfism to perform at his birthday party. The party, held on Sunday, July 14, 2025, has sparked national outrage, drawing attention from Spain's top authorities and disability rights groups. Lamine Yamal's 18th birthday party in Olivella sparks outrage and government investigation At a luxury rental in Olivella, a small hamlet about 50 kilometers north west of Barcelona, Spain, Lamine Yamal marked his eighteenth birthday on July 14, 2025. The party featured several of Lamine Yamal's Barcelona colleagues, as well as YouTubers and influencers. But once pictures and movies purportedly employed to delight guests surfaced on the internet, the focus quickly turned negative. The images and tales quickly provoked fury, which led the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights to launch an official inquiry. Authorities have directed the public prosecution to investigate any potential human rights abuses that happened at the event. The Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain publicly condemned the incident. In an official statement, the group said, 'These actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful.' Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal faces human rights backlash over dwarfism controversy While the scandal continues to grow, FC Barcelona has declined to make a strong public statement. A club spokesperson told BBC Sport that the incident was 'strictly within the private sphere.' However, they also stated that the club may reconsider its stance once more 'concrete information' becomes available. Also Read: Barcelona Star Kid Lamine Yamal's Jaw-Dropping $400000 Diamond Chain Goes Viral For Its Crazy Design And Luxury Look So far, Lamine Yamal has not made a public answer to the claims. Among the youngest rising stars in Spanish football, this unforeseen controversy could have significant consequences for his public image and career. The dispute also begs bigger societal issues regarding dignity, respect, and how public figures decide to commemorate life events. Many in Spain are clamoring for responsibility and more awareness around inclusion and sensitivity even while the legal inquiry is running. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!