Lamine Yamal faces legal trouble for hiring people with dwarfism on 18th birthday

Spain and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has been condemned for ‘intolerable’ behaviour as part of the entertainment for his 18th birthday party.

Yamal turned 18 on July 13 and hosted a grand gala on his birthday, inviting several of his club and national team members.

But the party also involved an objectionable part in entertainment and promotional activities: hiring people with dwarfism.

The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE), a member organisation of the Spanish Confederation of People with Physical and Organic Disabilities (COCEMFE), publicly denounced the activity, adding that it will take legal action against the forward.

Has Yamal broken any law?

Yes. According to the The General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Spain, approved by Royal Legislative Decree 1/2013: “Shows or recreational activities in which people with disabilities or other circumstances are used to provoke mockery, ridicule, or derision from the public in a manner contrary to the respect due to human dignity are prohibited.”

What has the ADEE said?

“ADEE considers this type of practice intolerable because it perpetuates stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights of those with achondroplasia or other skeletal dysplasias, as well as all people with disabilities,” the Association said in a statement.

Carolina Puente, ADEE’s president, added, “It’s unacceptable that in the 21st century, people with dwarfism continue to be used as entertainment at private parties, and even more serious when these incidents involve public figures like Lamine Yamal.”

“The dignity and rights of our community are not entertainment for anyone, under any circumstances.”