Lamine Yamal to be investigated over dwarfism row

Lamine Yamal celebrated his 18th birthday on Sunday

Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has asked the country’s prosecutor’s office to investigate Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal after he reportedly hired people with dwarfism to perform at his 18th birthday party.

Lamine Yamal hosted a party on Sunday at a rented property in Olivella, a small town 50 kilometres north west of Barcelona, with guests including YouTubers, influencers, and several Barcelona team-mates.

It is alleged Lamine Yamal hired a group of entertainers with dwarfism, something the Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE) described 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 the AFP news agency.

The ADEE said it “publicly denounces the hiring of people with dwarfism as part of the entertainment,” and said it would take legal action as it “perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights” of people with disabilities.

In a statement it said: “These actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful.

(Agencies)