Barcelona and Spain footballer Lamine Yamal could face legal proceedings after allegedly hiring people with dwarfism to perform at his 18th birthday celebration last weekend.
Spain's Association for People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasia (ADEE) is considering legal action against the 18-year-old following the emergence of images showing people with dwarfism entering the Barcelona venue.
The star-studded event had a strict mobile phone ban for guests, but photographs still circulated online.
The ADEE has expressed outrage at the alleged incident, with the organisation now contemplating taking the teenager to court over what they describe as 'unacceptable' discrimination.
Lamine Yamal
GettyADEE President Carolina Puente strongly condemned the alleged incident, stating: "It's unacceptable that in the 21st century, people with dwarfism continue to be used as entertainment at private parties."
She added: "And even more serious when these incidents involve public figures like Lamine Yamal."
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Puente emphasised the broader impact of such actions: "When a person with social influence participates in these types of situations the damage is even greater. Because it conveys to society, especially young people, that discrimination is acceptable.
"The dignity and rights of our community are not entertainment for anyone, under any circumstances."
The ADEE has also made clear its determination to pursue the matter further.
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Lamine Yamal's contract has just come into effect, keeping him at the club until 2031
Getty"We will not remain silent. We will defend the dignity and rights of our community in all areas.
"We will demand accountability, so that acts like these never happen again."
The organisation views the incident as particularly damaging given Yamal's high profile and influence on young people.
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Despite the controversy, Yamal has not addressed the allegations of hiring people with dwarfism for entertainment purposes.
The footballer's new Barcelona contract officially commenced when he turned 18 last weekend.
Yamal has taken to Instagram to address his 36 million followers, writing: "Thank you all for the congratulations and for yesterday's celebration. May God bless you all."
The message made no reference to the controversy surrounding his birthday party.
Lamine Yamal posted on Instagram thanking fans but he did not address the controversy
The young footballer's pre-season preparations with Barcelona are set to begin next Sunday when the team faces Vissel Kobe in Japan.
The ADEE's threatened legal proceedings could cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory milestone for the teenage football star.