Lamine Yamal Embroiled In Fresh Controversy After Dwarves Spotted At Birthday Party

Last Updated:July 15, 2025, 08:15 IST

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal faces legal action after human rights groups condemned the presence of dwarves at his 18th birthday party in Olivella.

Lamine Yamal has found himself amidst another controversy (Picture credit: AFP)

Star Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal finds himself amid a fresh controversy after a group of dwarves were spotted at his 18th birthday party, which has led to a massive hue and cry among human rights activist groups and Yamal now potentially faces legal action.

Jesus Blanco, the director general for the rights of persons with disabilities in Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, has called for an investigation, while another association has condemned what it called a violation of ethical values.

Yamal turned 18 on Sunday, July 13 and hosted a private party to celebrate the next day. It took place at a country house he rented in Olivella, a municipality in Catalonia, a small town 50km northwest of Barcelona.

Multiple celebrities, including musicians, YouTubers and influencers, attended the party, besides star striker Robert Lewandowski, Alejandro Balde, Gavi and Raphinha among Yamal’s teammates.

Some reporters gathered at the entrance of the country house, which had a security presence inside. 

A group of dwarves was seen moving into the house, which has sparked the controversy. People who are of short stature on account of a genetic condition are called dwarves.

“These actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful," the Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain said in a statement published on their website.

Martin told Spanish news agency EFE, through Cadena Ser, that he was concerned that someone who has so many followers and is an influencer for young people, is throwing this kind of party that can have a knock-on effect on the latter. 

“We are concerned that people with money, people with power, think they can get away with it. The law is for everyone, for the humble and for the powerful," Martin said. 

On Monday, Catalan radio station RAC1 broadcast an interview it said was from one of the dwarves at the party, whose voice was distorted and whose name wasn’t revealed to protect their identity.

“We are only asking that they let us work. We have our contracts, we are normal people, self-employed and do everything legally. I don’t know why there’s so much noise right now," the dwarf was heard saying. 

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