Spain investigates Lamine Yamal’s 18th birthday party over alleged exploitation and paid attendees

Investigation Requested Over Controversial Birthday Party of Soccer Sensation

The Spanish government has called for an inquiry into the birthday celebration of young football star Lamine Yamal, amid allegations of exploitation involving people with dwarfism and the use of women with specific physical traits.

Yamal, who recently turned 18, hosted a party attended by approximately 200 guests, including friends, family, and teammates. However, controversy arose after claims surfaced that organizers sought to hire women with particular breast sizes and paid them substantial sums—up to €20,000—to attend. Additionally, allegations emerged that individuals with dwarfism were hired as part of the event’s entertainment in a manner deemed degrading by disability advocates.

The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) strongly condemned the event, stating it violated ethical standards and legislative protections for people with disabilities. ADEE has announced plans to pursue legal action to defend the dignity of its community.

Images from the event depict Yamal in a white suit with a red rose, wearing sunglasses, holding a cane, and sporting a £300,000 necklace gifted by a rapper. The celebrations featured a mafia-style theme, with guests reportedly prohibited from taking photos or sharing details publicly. Several photos also show individuals with dwarfism entering the venue, raising further concern.

Spanish model Claudio Calvo, Miss Teenager Spain 2021 and Miss Teenager Europe 2022, claimed she was approached to attend and alleged organizers aimed to hire women with specific physical features, including blond hair and large breasts, for the event. She reportedly refused after receiving the list of demands.

The controversy has prompted officials, including Jesús Martín, Director of Disability, to seek a comprehensive investigation into the event. Critics argue that such acts perpetuate discrimination and send harmful messages to society, especially impressionable youth. Experts emphasize the importance of respecting human dignity and condemning the objectification of individuals based on their physical characteristics.

Despite the backlash, Yamal has shared a brief video on social media showing snippets of the celebration, with a caption urging viewers to enjoy a minute of the event. To date, he has not publicly responded to allegations.