Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal is under fire after his 18th birthday party sparked outrage across Spain following serious allegations that the event featured the exploitation of individuals with dwarfism and hired women selected for their breast size.
A model named Claudio Calvo has come forward with explosive claims that Yamal paid for 12 women with a “certain breast size” to attend the event.
But the real scandal broke when it was revealed that people with dwarfism had been hired as part of the entertainment at the lavish, mafia-themed celebration, a move that has drawn sharp condemnation from disability rights organizations and the Spanish government alike.
The ADEE (Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism), a member of the Spanish Confederation of People with Physical and Organic Disabilities (COCEMFE), issued a blistering statement:
“We publicly denounce the hiring of people with dwarfism as entertainment at the recent 18th birthday party of soccer player Lamine Yamal. These actions violate current legislation and go against the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful.”
The ADEE has vowed to take legal and social action to protect the dignity of people with disabilities.
Yamal, for his part, appeared unfazed by the growing backlash. On social media, he posted a slick, one-minute highlight video of the party with the caption, “Just 1 minute, enjoy it.”
The clip revealed a grand celebration at a private estate, complete with a mafia-inspired aesthetic. Yamal was dressed in a white suit with a red rose in his lapel, accessorized with sunglasses, a cane, and a jaw-dropping £300,000 (approximately Sh52,278,000) diamond necklace engraved with his initials a gift from Dominican rapper El Alfa.
But the flash and glamour have now given way to fury and potential legal consequences.
Following the ADEE’s denunciation, the Spanish government has demanded a full investigation into the event. According to Spanish outlet Marca, Yamal could face a staggering fine of up to £867,000 (approximately Sh151,000,000)