Barcelona football star Lamine Yamal has come under fire following his 18th birthday celebration, where the presence of a group of dwarves at the event has sparked widespread outrage and calls for legal action in Spain.
The party, held on Saturday, July 13, 2025, took place at a rented countryside villa in Olivella, about 50 kilometres from Barcelona. The event was attended by several high-profile figures, including popular musicians, influencers, and fellow Barcelona players Robert Lewandowski, Alejandro Balde, Gavi, and Raphinha.
Controversy erupted after footage captured by reporters outside the venue showed a group of dwarves arriving, prompting concerns over possible exploitation.
Spain’s Director General for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Jesús Martín Blanco, has called for an official investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, the Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE) described the incident as “a violation of ethical values” and stated that it intends to initiate legal proceedings.
The incident has ignited a national debate on dignity, representation, and the rights of people with disabilities in entertainment and public events.