Controversy Erupts Over Lamine Yamal's 18th Birthday Party Entertainment Choices
The hiring of dwarf entertainers at Lamine Yamal's lavish birthday party has sparked a major controversy and calls for investigation.
Key Points
- • Lamine Yamal faces backlash for hiring short-statured entertainers at his birthday party.
- • Human rights groups in Spain have condemned the practice and called for an investigation.
- • One performer defended the event, claiming they were treated with respect.
- • The party also involved controversial hiring practices for models based on appearance.
Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old FC Barcelona football star, is facing backlash after reports emerged regarding the entertainment choices at his extravagant birthday celebration. The party, attended by 250 celebrity guests including fellow footballers, rapper El Alfa, and F1 driver Charles Leclerc, featured short-statured performers, leading to severe criticism and calls for an investigation from human rights groups in Spain.
Carolina Puente, president of the Spanish association ADEE, which advocates for individuals with dwarfism, condemned the use of such performers for entertainment, labeling it ‘unacceptable’. The association has called for a serious examination of the event, warning that Yamal could face fines up to £867,000 (approximately 11 million SEK) if found in violation of ethical guidelines concerning the treatment of individuals with dwarfism. Puente stated, "It is unacceptable that people with dwarfism are still used for entertainment at private parties, especially by public figures like Lamine Yamal."
Despite the criticism, one performer from Yamal's party defended the event, asserting that they felt respected and enjoyed their work. Speaking anonymously, the artist commented, "No one showed us a lack of respect. Let us work in peace, everyone had fun," and challenged the notion of being viewed as ‘circus animals’ by arguing, "We know our limits and never exceed them."
The party itself was themed around a gangster motif and featured strict security protocols, including a no-phones policy to control what attendees could share publicly. In addition to the hiring of dwarf entertainers, it was revealed that models were also invited under specific appearance conditions and offered large payments for their participation.
This incident is part of a larger conversation about the use of individuals with dwarfism in entertainment, and it has ignited a vital discussion regarding ethical standards in celebrity culture and responsibility.