Inquiry into Alleged Violations of Disability Laws
An inquiry has been initiated by Spain’s Ministry for Social Rights concerning alleged violations of disability laws during the 18th birthday celebration of FC Barcelona player Lamine Yamal. Reports suggest that there were entertainers at the party who had dwarfism, raising concerns about potential infringement of regulations designed to protect individuals with disabilities from humiliation or mockery in performance contexts.
The Ministry has requested that this matter be investigated by various authorities, including the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Spanish Ombudsman, aiming to determine if any legal standards were broken during the event held last Saturday outside Barcelona.
Details of the Celebration
The private gathering took place on July 13, a day after Yamal officially reached adulthood. Although guests at the party were prohibited from recording, footage surfaced on social media showing individuals with dwarfism arriving at the venue.
In reaction to these developments, the Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE) in Spain publicly criticized the use of individuals with dwarfism as entertainers, labeling it a significant breach of ethical norms and existing laws.
Statements from Involved Parties
In a statement, ADEE announced plans to pursue both legal and public action to defend the dignity of those living with disabilities. One of the entertainers at the party, who chose to remain unnamed, expressed their viewpoint in defense of their profession, stating:
“We were treated with respect at the party and were allowed to perform in a peaceful environment.”
They emphasized that the attention surrounding the issue seems exaggerated, attributing the outrage to the party’s association with Yamal.
The performer added:
“We are professional entertainers and do not understand why our jobs should be under scrutiny. We provide various kinds of entertainment, and everyone enjoyed the event. This uproar seems to stem solely from the influence of Yamal’s celebrity status.”
Lamine Yamal’s Career Update
Following the party, Lamine Yamal resumed training with Barcelona this week after a hiatus of roughly one month that followed a successful season where he contributed to the team’s victories in LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Supercopa, accumulating over 100 appearances and scoring 25 goals in his burgeoning career.
