The Spanish government has demanded an investigation into Lamie Yamal’s controversial 18th birthday party, during which ‘dwarves were exploited’ and women with ‘specific breast measurements paid to attend’.
A model named Claudio Calvo has claimed Barcelona sensation Yamal paid for 12 women with a ‘certain breast size’ to attend the bash and now the government are seeking a huge fine and probe into the mafia-themed bash following the outcry over paid attendees with Dwarfism.
Yamal had celebrated his birthday this weekend with around 200 people attending the event, including friends, family and team-mates.
But after Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE) threatened to take legal action, the Spanish government joined those condemning Yamal and demanded a probe into the party.
According to Marca, Yamal could be hit with a fine of up to £867,000 and the General Director of Disability in the government, Jesús Martín, wants ministers to approve an investigation.
He said: ‘We are concerned that people with money, people with power, believe themselves to be unpunished. The law is for everyone, for the humble and for the powerful.’ Martin also expressed his fear that this kind of party could impact impressionable young fans who look up to Yamal and copy his behaviour.
The specifics around what exactly was asked of those with dwarfism in attendance remains murky but the group representing those with disabilities roundly condemned Yamal.
‘The ADEE, a member organization of the Spanish Confederation of People with Physical and Organic Disabilities (COCEMFE), condemns and publicly denounces the hiring of people with dwarfism as part of the entertainment at the recent 18th birthday party of soccer player Lamine Yamal,’ their statement read.
‘The Association announces that it will take legal and social action to safeguard the dignity of people with disabilities, considering that these actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society that seeks to be egalitarian and respectful.’
In the face of the criticism, the Barcelona star has simply shared a one-minute clip to fans on social media of his party, writing ‘Just 1 minute, enjoy it’.
The clip revealed the party took place at a private estate and had a mafia style theme.
Yamal had been dressed in a white suit with a red rose in his lapel, while his look included sunglasses and a cane.
The teenager was also seen wearing a £300,000 necklace featuring his initials “LY’, which had been gifted to him by Dominican rapper El Alfa.
Despite being a private event, where guests were not permitted to take mobile phones and take photos, parts of the teenager’s celebration have drawn criticism.
Spanish model, Calvo, who was Miss Teenager Spain 2021 and Miss Teenager Europe 2022, claimed she was asked to attend the event.
Speaking on Spanish television show Tardear TV, alleged that organisers were seeking to hire 12 blonde women with specific breast sizes to attend the celebration.
She claimed the women would have been paid up to 20,000 euros, but would need to be available for 24 hours, with the location of the event not disclosed to them.
Calvo claimed she had backed out of the event after receiving the list of demands
‘I have screenshots of everything, the conversations, they told me that the fee would be a certain amount between 10,000 and 20,000 euros,’ Calvo told Tardear TV.
‘But the truth is that you don’t really know what you’re getting into, because they don’t tell you what they really expect from you beyond “having a good time” at the party.
‘They asked for blonde girls with a certain breast size,’ Calvo claimed, adding organisers were looking for ‘models or escorts’.
Images have also reportedly emerged of the people with dwarfism entering the venue, where the party was held.
A number of pictures from the event have since been shared on social media, showing Yamal alongside some of his Barcelona team-mates, namely Gavi and Alejandro Balde.
In one clip the pair can be seen singing together on stage.
Reports from Spain claim that Yamal had earlier enjoyed a meal with close friends and family at the La Cupula restaurant south of the Catalan capital.
Yamal’s father shared a number of images from a separate get together with his 1.2million followers on Instagram.
The Association of People with Achondroplasia and Other Skeletal Dysplasias with Dwarfism (ADEE) threatened to take legal action against the Barcelona star.
ADEE president Carolina Puente added ‘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.
‘The dignity and rights of our community are not entertainment for anyone, under any circumstances.
‘Shows or recreational activities in which people with disabilities or other circumstances are used to provoke mockery, ridicule, or derision from the public in a manner contrary to the respect due to human dignity are prohibited.
‘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.
‘We must eradicate the objectification of difference and educate people in respect and equity.
‘We will not remain silent. We will defend the dignity and rights of our community in all areas, and we will demand accountability so that acts like these never happen again.’
‘We invite all people with achondroplasia or skeletal dysplasia to contact the Association: we are here to support, guide, and build new opportunities.’
Yamal has not publicly commented on Calvo’s claims or criticism from the ADEE.
