Barcelona football sensation Lamine Yamal is facing an official investigation following complaints about the presence of entertainers with dwarfism at his recent 18th birthday celebration, Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has confirmed.
The probe was prompted by a formal complaint from the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE), which criticised the use of individuals with dwarfism as party entertainers, describing it as a practice that “perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the dignity and rights of people with disabilities.”
Yamal, who turned 18 on July 13, held a star-studded private party the night before in Olivella, a town west of Barcelona, attended by top football teammates and music celebrities including Bizarrap, Bad Gyal, and Dominican rapper Chimbala.
Despite a strict no-filming policy at the event, a video surfaced showing a group of individuals with dwarfism entering the venue. ADEE’s complaint led the Social Rights Ministry to forward the case to the public prosecutor’s office to determine if any laws were violated.
One of the performers, speaking anonymously on Catalan radio RAC1, defended their participation:
“No one disrespected us. We were allowed to work in peace… We are normal people who love what we do and work legally. This backlash is just because it was Lamine Yamal’s party.”
He claimed ADEE’s actions have been ongoing:
“They’ve been trying to prevent us from working for years without offering alternative opportunities or training.”
The entertainers reportedly engaged in dancing, serving drinks, and performing magic tricks at the event.
Dominican artist Chimbala, also of short stature, posted a video with Yamal on Instagram singing his song Abusadora, with Barcelona stars Gavi and Alejandro Balde seen dancing nearby.
Neither Yamal nor his representatives have responded publicly to the investigation.
Yamal is widely regarded as one of the brightest stars in global football, having scored 25 goals in 106 appearances for Barcelona since debuting at 15. He played a key role in the club’s 2024/25 treble-winning campaign and is a strong contender for the upcoming Ballon d’Or.
