15.07.2025 16:50
The 18th birthday party of Barcelona's young star Lamine Yamal has sparked significant controversy in Spain. Following claims that the event, which was promoted as 'mafia-themed,' involved the employment of individuals with dwarfism and women with specific physical characteristics for entertainment, the Spanish government has launched an investigation.
The 18th birthday party of Barcelona's young star Lamine Yamal has become the center of a major controversy in Spain. Held at a luxury mansion in Catalonia and marketed as "mafia-themed," the event has led to allegations that dwarf individuals were employed for entertainment purposes and that women with specific physical attributes were paid, prompting the Spanish government to officially launch an investigation.
Spanish authorities have taken action to investigate claims of discrimination and the objectification of women that allegedly occurred at the party. This official inquiry has raised significant public interest, and there are questions about whether the strict laws against discrimination in Spain will be enforced.
Notable figures such as Gavi and Alejandro Balde from Barcelona, as well as Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc and musicians Ozuna and IShowSpeed, attended the party. However, images and testimonies circulating on social media have sparked significant backlash, suggesting that the event had a "discriminatory" and "objectifying" nature towards women.
Following the controversy, a dwarf entertainment worker who participated in the event spoke to RAC1 radio without revealing their name, defending Lamine Yamal. "No one disrespected us. We did our job peacefully. The reason for all this talk is that the party belongs to Lamine Yamal," they said. The worker, who mentioned their duties included dancing, serving drinks, and performing magic tricks, expressed that the ongoing discussions have negatively impacted their profession.
On the other hand, the Association for Dwarfism and Skeletal Dysplasia (ADEE) stated that such events degrade disabled individuals by using them as "spectacle elements" and announced that they would take legal action. Association President Carolina Puente said, "Especially if it is carried out by an athlete whom young people see as an idol, such incidents risk normalizing discrimination."
Spanish model Claudia Calvo, who added a new dimension to the scandal, revealed that the party organizers offered her and women with similar physical attributes between 10,000 to 20,000 euros, but she declined the invitation due to a lack of clear information about the actual content of the event.
Lamine Yamal has not yet made a statement regarding these allegations. He only shared a one-minute short video from the party on his social media account, appearing in a white suit, with a cane and a diamond chain worth 300,000 pounds.
According to Spanish laws, such discriminatory events can face fines of up to 1 million euros. The official investigation initiated by the government highlights the legal significance of this incident.