Performer with Dwarfism Defends Lamine Yamal Amid Spanish Legal Probe

Lamine Yamal's 18th birthday party, which featured performers with dwarfism, has sparked significant controversy in Spain. The Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) condemned the event as degrading and announced plans for legal action, arguing that using people with dwarfism as entertainment violates dignity and anti-discrimination laws. However, several performers involved in the party, who identify as adults with achondroplasia, have publicly rejected ADEE's statement, asserting their autonomy and expressing pride in participating, stating they were treated with respect and dignity at the event. These entertainers criticized ADEE for speaking on their behalf without consultation and for attempting to restrict their employment opportunities, emphasizing that they should be allowed to work freely and legally as entertainers. Government officials have called for investigations, but key figures, including Yamal, have not commented on the matter. The dispute highlights tensions between advocacy groups and individuals with dwarfism regarding representation, agency, and employment rights.