Spanish Government Reports Probe into Dwarfism Exploitation at Lamine Yamal Birthday Party

Spanish authorities have launched an investigation into Barcelona footballer Lamine Yamal's 18th birthday party over allegations of exploiting individuals with dwarfism and paying women with specific physical attributes to attend. The Spanish Ministry for Social Rights has requested prosecutors and anti-hate offices to determine if laws prohibiting shows that mock or denigrate people with disabilities were violated, with Yamal potentially facing a fine up to £867,000. The Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE) has condemned the hiring of individuals with dwarfism as entertainers and announced intentions to pursue legal action to protect the dignity of people with disabilities. Additionally, Spanish model Claudio Calvo claimed she was approached to attend the party as part of a group of women selected based on hair color and breast size, raising further concerns about the event's conduct. Jesús Martín, General Director for Disability Rights, emphasized that no one is above the law and expressed worry about the negative influence such events may have on young fans who follow Yamal. While some performers reported being treated respectfully, the controversy continues to attract widespread condemnation from disability advocates and government officials.