The Spanish Ministry of Social Rights requested a prosecutor's investigation into the controversy surrounding the discrimination against the disabled related to Lamine Yamal's birthday party.
The British media reported on the 15th (Korean time) that "the National Institute of the Disabled under the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights requested an investigation from the prosecutor regarding the employment of people with dwarfism during the birthday party of Barcelona winger Yamal."
Yamal held his 18th birthday party last Sunday in the small town of Olivella, northwest of Barcelona. YouTubers, influencers, and his Barcelona teammates attended. It is known that entertainers with dwarfism performed at the party.
In response, the Spanish Association of Dwarfism and Other Skeletal Dysplasias (ADEE) strongly protested.
ADEE stated in a press release, "This act is unacceptable in the 21st century," and claimed that "the employment of people with dwarfism as part of entertainment promotes stereotypes and discrimination against the disabled. This undermines the image and rights of people with disabilities."
The National Institute of the Disabled emphasized, "As ADEE has filed a legal complaint, we requested the prosecutor to investigate whether there were any legal violations or infringements on rights. The General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities explicitly prohibits the use of disabled individuals in entertainment activities that could provoke public ridicule or mockery."
As the controversy spread, the Spanish radio station RAC1 published an interview with an anonymous entertainer who participated in the party. He defended Yamal, saying, "There was no rude treatment. We worked legally in a peaceful atmosphere."
He said, "We are entertainers. Why can't we do it? Is it because of our physical condition? We know our limits and do not cross that line. We are not monkeys from a traveling circus." He also noted, "We danced, served drinks, and performed magic. Everyone had a great time."
Barcelona stated regarding the controversy, "Since this is a matter related to an individual's privacy, we are not in a position to comment. We will review our position once further information is secured."
[OSEN]