Lamine Yamal faces investigation amid dwarfism remark controversy

Barcelona's rising star Lamine Yamal is under investigation by Spain's Ministry of Social Rights following complaints about the presence of entertainers with dwarfism at his 18th birthday celebration last weekend in Olivella, approximately 50 kilometers west of Barcelona.The investigation was initiated after the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE) filed a formal complaint about the party, which took place on July 13.The event was attended by Yamal's teammates and music celebrities, including Bizarrap and Bad Gyal, though guests were prohibited from filming during the celebration.

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"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," stated Spain's Ministry of Social Rights to AFP.ADEE condemned the hiring of people with dwarfism for entertainment, stating it "perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights" of people with disabilities.One of the performers, speaking anonymously to Catalan radio station RAC1, defended their participation at the event. "No one disrespected us, we were allowed to work in peace," the performer said, confirming 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 explained their work involves dancing, delivering drinks, and performing magic tricks at events.Dominican rapper Chimbala, who is of short stature, shared a video on Instagram of himself performing at the party with Yamal, while Barcelona teammates Gavi and Alejandro Balde danced nearby.Chimbala posted: "Lamine Yamal at 18, the best player in the world, signing my song 'Abusadora', thank you for inviting me to your (birthday)."Yamal has established himself as a significant player for Barcelona, contributing to the team's domestic treble last season, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup.The Spain international has accumulated an impressive record of 25 goals in 106 appearances since his debut at age 15 in 2023, and is now considered a contender for the Ballon d'Or.Yamal's representatives have not responded to requests for comment regarding the investigation.