Lamine Yamal 'invited a dwarf' to his birthday celebration: Legal action will be taken

Barcelona's 18-year-old Spanish star Lamine Yamal has come under fire for bringing professional dwarfs onto the stage for entertainment at his 18th birthday party. A Spanish disability association is preparing to take legal action against the actor.

Yamal, who turned 18, celebrated his birthday with family and friends in Spain over the weekend. However, he was criticized for inviting "dwarf" individuals to the party for entertainment.

The Association of Achondroplasia and Skeletal Dysplasias and Dwarfism (ADEE), a member organization of the Spanish Confederation of Disabled Persons (COCEMFE), condemned the young Barcelona star.

ADEE called Yamal's behavior "unacceptable" and announced that it would take legal and community action. The association also stated that such behavior "reinforces stereotypes, fuels discrimination, and undermines the image and rights of all people with disabilities."

ADEE, which has adopted the mission of protecting the human dignity of individuals with disabilities, reacted to Yamal in a statement on its official website.

Carolina Puente, president of the association, wrote:

"It's unacceptable that in the 21st century, individuals with dwarfism are still being used as entertainment at private parties. The involvement of public figures like Lamine Yamal in such events makes the situation even more dire. The dignity and rights of our community cannot, under any circumstances, be used as entertainment for anyone."

"When people with high social influence participate in such events, the harm is magnified because it sends a message, especially to young people, that discrimination is acceptable. We must eliminate the objectification of difference and educate people on the basis of respect and equality."

Yamal has not yet responded to the association's statement.

The Spain international, who just turned 18, won LaLiga and the Copa del Rey with Barcelona last season and is expected to wear the club's number 10 shirt next season.