A performer with dwarfism who worked at Lamine Yamal's controversial 18th birthday celebration has defended the Barcelona footballer, insisting "no one disrespected us" during the event.
The controversy erupted when images from the lavish party began circulating on social media, revealing that performers with dwarfism had been hired as entertainment for the event.
But as pictures from the event began to circulate on social media, so too did a report from an Instagram model who alleged that 12 women with a 'certain breast size' had been paid to attend the party.
The bash also caught the attention of the Association of People with Adondroplasia and Other Sketeal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE), who threatened legal action if the teenager was found to have violated discrimination laws.
X
|A video is circulating online of dwarves entering the Lamine Yamal's birthday celebration
The ADEE has threatened legal action if the 18-year-old is found to have breached discrimination laws.
In addition to this, the Spanish government has launched an investigation into the footballer's milestone celebration after disability rights groups raised concerns about discrimination.
JUST IN: Martin Brundle explains chat with 'very quiet' Christian Horner following ruthless Red Bull sacking
Speaking anonymously to RAC1, an anonymous dwarf dismissed concerns about discrimination, stating: "I don't understand why there's so much hype about it. We're just normal people doing what we want in a completely normal legal manner."
The performer expressed frustration at increasing restrictions on their work opportunities.
"For a couple of years now, these people have been harming us. They want to prohibit a job we love, and in no case have they offered work or courses to those affected," they said.
"We work as entertainers. Why can't we do it? Because of our physical conditions?"
Getty | Lamine Yamal has come under a lot of fire for his birthday celebrations
Jesus Martin, Spain's General Director of Disability, expressed worry that Yamal's alleged conduct could influence others given his status as a role model.
The investigation comes as Spain prepares to implement stricter legislation regarding the treatment of people with disabilities in entertainment settings.
The ADEE released a strongly-worded statement condemning the hiring of performers with dwarfism at the party.
"It's unacceptable that in the 21st century, people with dwarfism continue to be used as entertainment at private parties, and even more serious when these incidents involve public figures like Lamine Yamal," said ADEE president Carolina Puente. She added: "The dignity and rights of our community are not entertainment for anyone, under any circumstances."
The organisation stated it would pursue both legal and social measures to protect the dignity of people with disabilities.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
"When a person with social influence participates in these types of situations, the damage is even greater, because it conveys to society - especially to young people - that discrimination is acceptable," Puente explained.
The mafia-themed celebration took place at a private estate, with guests including Barcelona team-mates Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, as well as Formula One driver Charles Leclerc and various social media personalities.
Yamal wore a white suit with sunglasses, a cane and a £300,000 diamond necklace featuring his initials, gifted by Dominican rapper El Alfa.
Controversy extended beyond the hired performers after Instagram model Claudia Calvo, who holds titles including Miss Teenager Spain 2021, alleged she had been approached to attend.
Reuters | Lamine Yamal has just activated a new contract that keeps him at the club til 2031
She claimed organisers sought "blonde girls with a certain breast size" and offered between €10,000 and €20,000 for 24-hour availability.
Under Spanish law, entertainment that mocks or denigrates people with disabilities is prohibited. Violations could result in fines ranging from €600,000 to €1 million under forthcoming legislation.
The anonymous performer directly criticised the ADEE president, saying: "There's a new president who feels inferior, and wants to screw the rest of us. We know what our limit is and we never cross it. We're not monkeys in a fair."
Despite signing a confidentiality agreement, the entertainer revealed their duties included dancing, distributing shots and performing magic tricks. They were subsequently invited to join the party afterwards.
"Everyone had a great time. All this fuss started because it was Lamine Yamal's party," they said.
Yamal has not publicly responded to either the ADEE's criticism or Calvo's allegations about paid female attendees.