Disability Rights Group Files Complaint Against Barcelona’s Yamal
Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has asked the country’s Prosecutor’s Office to investigate Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal after reports claimed he hired people with dwarfism to perform at his 18th birthday party.
Yamal celebrated his birthday on Sunday July 13TH, 2025 at a rented house in Olivella, a town about 50 kilometres from Barcelona. The event was attended by YouTubers, influencers, and some of his Barcelona teammates.
According to reports, Yamal hired entertainers with dwarfism, which has drawn criticism from Spain’s Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE). The group called the act “unacceptable in the 21st century.”
In response, the Directorate General for People with Disabilities, part of the Ministry of Social Rights, said that ADEE has filed a legal complaint. As a result, the Directorate has asked the Prosecutor’s Office to determine if Yamal’s actions violated the rights of people with disabilities.
ADEE stated that hiring people with dwarfism for entertainment encourages discrimination and reinforces harmful stereotypes. They argued it damages the dignity and image of people with disabilities.
In their statement, ADEE said: “These actions go against today’s values of equality and respect. Spanish law clearly bans using people with disabilities for shows that provoke mockery or ridicule.”
However, Spanish radio station RAC1 broadcast an interview with someone who claimed to be one of the performers at the party. The entertainer, who wanted to stay anonymous, defended Yamal and the event.
“No one disrespected us. We worked peacefully,” the person said. “We are normal people doing legal work. We know our limits, and we are not circus acts. We dance, serve drinks, do magic, and entertain. Everyone enjoyed the party.”
The performer added that the show lasted about an hour, and afterward, they joined the rest of the guests to continue the celebration.
When asked about the situation, FC Barcelona told BBC Sport that they were “not in a position to comment on a private event.”
However, they mentioned they would review their stance once more details are known.
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