Lamine Yamal under investigation: Accusations of exploiting people with dwarfism

Yamal Lamine

Barcelona's young star, Lamine Yamal, has been placed under investigation by the Spanish Public Prosecutor's Office after a complaint was filed for organizing a birthday party where it is alleged that people with dwarfism were employed as part of the entertainment.

The investigation was launched at the request of the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights, while an official complaint was filed by the Association of People with Achondroplasia and Skeletal Dysplasia (ADEE). The party in question was held last Sunday in the town of Olivella, about 50 kilometers from Barcelona, on the occasion of Yamal's 18th birthday.

According to the BBC, ADEE called the act “unacceptable in the 21st century” and stated that this action “feeds stereotypes, encourages discrimination and damages the image and rights of people with disabilities.” The association has demanded an investigation into whether applicable laws or the rights of people with disabilities were violated.

In a public statement, they emphasize:

"We publicly condemn the employment of people with dwarfism as a form of entertainment at private events. This practice is humiliating and discriminatory."

However, a person who claims to have been among those hired to perform at the party has spoken to Spanish radio station RAC1, defending Yamal and the event.

"Nobody has treated us disrespectfully. We worked in peace and with dignity. I don't understand why there is so much noise. We are normal people, doing our jobs legally. Why can't we work? Because of our bodies?"

According to him, after the performance, they joined the other party participants as equals.

"We know our limits. We are not 'circus monsters,'" he concluded.

So far, neither Lamine Yamal nor the FC Barcelona club have yet to issue a public statement on the case.

_{Source: Independent}