By Joshua Weng Chuwang
The recent birthday celebration of Barcelona FC youngster Lamine Yamal has sparked a major debate and public scrutiny, particularly over his inclusion of individuals with dwarfism for entertainment purposes. Several advocacy groups against discrimination of persons with disabilities have come out to denounce this practice. One of them, the Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE), has condemned the act as offensive and discriminatory. The disability rights group termed the party “degrading,” claiming that it reinforces harmful stereotypes about individuals with dwarfism.
Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights has also threatened legal action against the teenage sensation, believing that the young football star has broken the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Real Decreto Legislativo 1/2013), which forbids any show or activity that “uses people with disabilities to provoke mockery or humiliation, even if done with consent.”
Unfortunately for the claimants, no video evidence has emerged to support these claims. Guests were prohibited from using their cell phones during the birthday party, intended to prevent the circulation of videos and photos of the event due to the presence of public figures. According to reports, the no-phone policy aimed to allow guests to enjoy the party without concerns about facing public scrutiny or controversy.
However, one of the performers at the party defended their participation, claiming, “We were treated well. We’re just working like everyone else.”
If found guilty, Yamal could face fines of up to a million euros, as the case has been referred to the Spanish Prosecutor’s Office, the Office of Hate Crimes, and the Spanish Ombudsman. Barcelona Football Club has yet to comment on the issue, but the club is set to announce Lamine Yamal as the new number 10 of the team amidst the controversy.
